You are a rare antique brass 11 key bass Ophicleide musical instrument, which I believe is the predecessor to the tuba. I am not a specialist in musical instruments and until I researched this on the internet, knew nothing at all about these unusual instruments. Therefore my listing is based on this research. Apparently they were invented in 1817 and were quite widely used in orchestras until they went out of popularity around 1870. However, they were still listed in catalogues until just after 1900. I would refer you to www.wcwband.co.uk/ophicleide.htm which is a very interesting site on the ophicleide with some useful links. This instrument has no makers mark – a lot of these were not marked. In all probability it is French, possibly made in Paris, although I cannot atribute it to any particular maker. It is all complete except for one small lug with a ball on the end which should be soldered to the small triangular plate on the body (there are two other complete ones of these). I do not know what these are for – possibly to mount the instrument on a stand. All the keys work, including the biggest one which is normally open until used, whereas the other ten are normally closed. However, some of the keys are a bit sticky and two are missing their leather pads. It has a brass mouthpiece which I think is original and which fits nicely on its taper. The instrument originally came with a second mouthpiece taped to it – however this has a very slightly smaller taper and does not fit. I do not know what this second mouthpiece is made of, but think, because it has a wood-like grain running through it, that it may have been turned out of a piece of horn. It is not wood, as it would not be possible to turn the tapered part as thin as this has been turned if it was made in wood. I am listing this mouthpiece seperately on as an ophicleide mouthpiece – please see the other listing if you are interested. The horn of the instrument is of fairly thin brass and has therefore got some dents which can be seen in the photos. There are also some small dents in places on the body commensurate with age and use. The instrument was originally lacquered – some of this has worn off through use and polishing, and consequently there is some tarnish on the brass. There are some marks left on the surface where there has been sellotape used to tape the mouthpice etc. to the instrument when it was not in use – there are also some marks left by old elastic bands where they have perished. This is a very large instrument being approximately 41.1/2″ long with a horn diameter of 8″, and it weighs approximately 2.4 kg unpacked. if you need any further information and I will do my best to try and help. I welcome OVERSEAS BIDDERS, but please be aware that because of its size and weight it will have to go by carrier, and shipping will depend on your location. It is essential that a shipping price is obtained before you bid, as it can well be very expensive to certain overseas locations. In the postage and Payments section I have given example prices to France and the USA to give an idea of overseas shipping.
Please see the pictures below
Please note post and packing charges are given for both the UK and overseas.
If you are any of my other auctions, I will combine postage on multiple items.
All UK items will be sent, unless otherwise stated, by Royal Mail 1st Class Recorded. High value items will be sent overseas by Royal Mail Airmail International ‘Signed For’ service. Items are now sent this way to conform to /Paypal regulations that safeguard both the buyer and the seller. This can make the shipping charge, particularly for overseas bidders, higher than possibly expected as the Recorded/Signed For service adds 77p to UK postage and £4.95 to overseas postage. I can accept no responsibility in the very rare event that items get lost in the post, but I will endeavour to do all I can to help the buyer by contacting Royal Mail and getting them to do the necessary search. Please be aware that it is illegal to falsify the value or contents on Customs documentation and under no circumstances will I do this. Overseas buyers are responsible for all duties and taxes, if applicable, that are levied by their Customs.
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