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Bassoons

5.1 - Bassoon | 5.2 - Bassoon | 5.3 - Bassoon | 5.4 - Bassoon | 5.5 - Bassoon | 5.7 - Bassoon | 5.7 - Bassoon | 5.8 - Bassoon | 5.9 - Bassoon | 5.10 - Bassoon crooks | 5.11 - Bassoon reeds | 5.12 - Sarrusophone |

Terminology and Glossary | Cataloguing Standards

Catalogue number:	5.1
Original name:	Bassoon.
Type or system:	8 keys.
Maker:	William Milhouse, London, c.1805-1808.
Overall size:	1235mm
Bore:	Wing joint: crook receiver 14.3mm - 15.5mm av.; boot joint: 17.2mm - 24.8mm; main joint: 24mm - 31mm; bell: 30.6mm - 39.5mm.
Technical description:	4 sections of stained boxwood. Bell: 350mm; long joint: 571mm; wing joint: 534mm; boot: 433mm) & 2 crooks, one being the shortened original. 8 brass keys, string tenons, and probably stained boxwood. Keyhead / mounts. Swallowtail touch flap on F key.

	Key work and Finger holes
	Left hand thumb:	T, B flat, harm 1, harm 2, D, E flat.
	Left hand, first finger:	T.
	Left hand, second finger:	T.
	Left hand, third finger:	T.
	Right hand, thumb:	T, F sharp.
	Right hand, first finger:	T.
	Right hand, second finger:	T.
	Right hand, third finger:	T.
	Right hand, fourth finger:	F, A flat.

Inscription:	Stamped on tenor and boot: “W. MILHOUSE / LONDON”; stamped on Bell and long joints: “W. MILHOUSE / LONDON / 337 OXFORD / STREET”; Stamped under E flat key: “WM”.
Playing accessories:	Two crooks, possibly original.
Faults:	Cracks: All repaired: top until half-way on bell; at some point the wood by the finger-holes on the tenor joint broke off. It has been repaired securely. Other: It is in very good condition, and is very playable. The original crook, not only being shortened, also has no flee-hole.
Usable pitch:	Plays at a’ = 430 Hz.
Illustration references:	See below.
Previous owner:	R. S. Birch. Presented to Birmingham School of Music, 1949.
Previous collection numbers:	A and B: Item 112.

Catalogue number:	5.2
Original name:	Bassoon.
Type or system:	14 keys.
Maker:	Unknown.
Place of origin:	Unknown, c.1850.
	The instrument has been well used, judging by the grooves made round the finger-holes, and has also been kept reasonably polished. It is possible that the maker(s) could be a) Tourlat (fl. -1850-), b) F. Tournier & P. Goumas (fl. 1855-59), or c) Tournier-Martin (1876-p.1911), although the absence of the low Bb key makes it unlikely to be this late. Another possible maker is Savary.
Overall size:	1240mm.
Bore:	Wing joint: crook receiver, 13.5mm av. - 15.5mm; boot: 16mm av. - 23.5mm av.; long joint: 24mm av. - 34mm; bell: 34mm - 34mm.
Technical description:	4 sections of light wood, possible boxwood. Bell: 306mm; long joint: 498mm; wing joint: 462mm; boot: 436mm;and crook. 14 brass keys with round, flat key heads, mounted in brass saddles. 2 harmonic keys linked to crook key. Overlapping touches on B, C and D keys. Brass rollers on F and A flat key touches. Tenons bound with string; This instrument has tuning devices on the tenor and long joints, consisting of a cog mechanism operated by turning a screw. Turning each of these would result in the pitch being kept steady when tuning, as opposed to when pulling out the crook only. To compensate the resulting change of position of the keys, they too have extensions, and to keep them in the correct place they each have metal “needles” which are placed into a hole. Classical styled bell, without the “modern” low Bb key attached to it. Crook key (interestingly, on the inside of the crook, directly opposite the player).

	Key work and Finger holes.
	Left hand thumb:	B flat, B, C, C sharp, D, E flat, harm 1, harm 2.
	Left hand, first finger:	T.
	Left hand, second finger:	T.
	Left hand, third finger:	T.
	Left hand, fourth finger:	Crook key.
	Right hand, thumb:	T, F sharp.
	Right hand, first finger	T.
	Right hand, second finger:	T.
	Right hand, first finger	T.
	Right hand, third finger:	T.
	Right hand, fourth finger	F, A flat.

Inscription:	Stamped on the back of the boot: “A PARIS / [motif: circle with radial lines] / 1814” Stamped on the front of the boot, bell, tenor and long joints: [motif] / [cursive text] / [cursive text] / “A PARIS” / [motif]. The text on all the joints is not clear enough to make a positive reading of a name.
Faults:	Cracks: Bell (small), long joint (on the lower part: it consists of two placed opposite each other, possibly irreparable), and boot (small). Crook has no number and has been shortened.
Illustration references:	See below.

Catalogue number:	5.3
Original name:	Bassoon in C.
Type or system:	15 keys.
Maker:	Boosey & Co.
Place of origin:	London, c.1886.
Serial number:	10212.
Overall size:	907mm (without bell).
Bore:	Wing joint: crook receiver 12.5mm - 15mm av.; boot joint: 17mm av. - 25.5mm av.; long joint: 25mm - 33mm av.
Technical description:	4 sections of rosewood. Wing joint: 512.5mm; boot: 410mm; long joint: 594mm; bell missing. German silver key work, ferrules, crook well lining, and butt; hinged cap on base of butt. Modern keywork, mounted by post and axles. Overlapping touches on B, C and D keys. Ebonite rollers.

	Key work and Finger holes:
	Left hand thumb:	B flat, B, C, harm 1, harm 2, C sharp, D, E flat.
	Left hand, first finger:	T.
	Left hand, second finger:	T, F sharp trill.
	Left hand, third finger:	T. E flat.
	Left hand, fourth finger:	C sharp; crook key.
	Right hand, thumb:	T, F sharp.
	Right hand, first finger:	T.
	Right hand, second finger:	T.
	Right hand, third finger:	T, B flat.
	Right hand, fourth finger:	F, A flat.

Inscription:	Engraved on Boot joint ferrule: “BOOSEY & Co / MAKERS / LONDON / 10212”
Decorative features:	D key guard incorporating “B” motif.
Faults:	Crack on bottom of long joint; bell missing.
Specific references:	Boosey & Hawkes archives.
Illustration references:	See below.

Catalogue number:	5.4
Original name:	Bassoon in C.
Type or system:	15 keys.
Maker:	Boosey & Co.
Place of origin:	London, 1923/24.
Serial number:	24778.
Overall size:	1282mm.
Bore:	Wing joint: crook receiver 12.5mm - 16.5mm; boot joint: 11.5mm - 25.5mm; long joint: 25mm - 33mm; bell: 40mm - 40mm.
Technical description:	4 sections of ebonite. Wing joint: 525mm; boot: 417mm; long joint: 598mm; Bell: 352mm. Modern keywork. German silver keys, crook well, ferrules, bell rim, butt and crook receiver. Hinged cap on base of butt. Keys mounted by post and axles without plates. Key rollers on F and A flat touches. Overlapping B flat, B, C and D keys. Music holder.

	Key work and Finger holes
	Left hand thumb:	B flat, B, C, harm 1, harm 2, C sharp, D, E flat.
	Left hand, first finger:	T.
	Left hand, second finger:	T, F sharp trill.
	Left hand, third finger:	T. E flat.
	Left hand, fourth finger:	C sharp; crook key.
	Right hand, thumb:	T, F sharp.
	Right hand, first finger:	T.
	Right hand, second finger:	T.
	Right hand, third finger:	T, B flat.
	Right hand, fourth finger:	F, A flat.

Inscription:	Engraved on lower bell ferrule: “BOOSEY & Co / LONDON / 24778”; engraved on crook – receiver: “BOOSEY & Co / 24778”; engraved on boot ferrule: “BOOSEY & Co / MAKERS / LONDON / 24778 / L.P. (in oval) / Guarenteed / British Made”; and directly below on body of boot: “Made for / S. Rose & Co Ltd / Bombay”.
Decorative features:	D key guard incorporating “B” motif.
Faults:	Long joint colour faded with sun. Long joint/wing lock broken on long joint.
Repair history:	Keys fitted with new pads and touch plate cork.
Specific literature references:	Boosey & Hawkes archives.
Illustration references:	See below.
Usable pitch:	Plays at a’ = 440 Hz (the ‘L.P’ almost certainly means low pitch).

Catalogue number:	5.5
Original name:	Bassoon in C.
Type or system:	21 keys.
Maker:	Hawkes & Son.
Place of origin:	London,1903-04.
Serial number:	15585.
Overall size:	1286mm.
Technical description:	4 sections in a reddish wood, possibly rosewood with ebonite wing joint: bell: 358mm; long joint: 513mm; wing joint: 471mm; boot: 415mm. Overlapping touches on B flat, B, C, D keys. Harmonic keys 1 and 2 linked to crook key. Ebonite rollers on B flat, G, F and A flat keys.

	Key work and Finger holes.
	Left hand thumb:	B flat, B, C, harm 1, harm 2, harm 3, C sharp, D, E flat.
	Left hand, first finger:	G trill, A flat trill.
	Left hand, second finger:	T, F sharp trill.
	Left hand, third finger:	T. E flat.
	Left hand, fourth finger:	C sharp; crook key.
	Right hand, thumb:	T, F sharp.
	Right hand, first finger:	T.
	Right hand, second finger:	T. C sharp, A.
	Right hand, third finger:	B flat, G.
	Right hand, fourth finger:

Inscription:	Stamped on bell and main joint: “HAWKES & SON / MAKERS / LONDON / 15585”; engraved on boot joint: “EXCELSIOR / SONOROUS / CLASS / HAWKES & SON / MAKERS / LONDON / 15585 / LF"; engraved on bell, boot ferrules, crook receiver and middle key on long joint: “B.S.M.” [Birmingham School of Music].
Playing accessories:	3 crooks: 2 are number 2, third is lengthened; cleaning weight; reeds.
Cases, etc:	sling, and original case.
Usable pitch:	Plays at a’ = 440 Hz.
Repair history:	Personalised with some changes made pre-1960.
Illustration references:	See below.
Specific usage:	Used to belong to Vaughan Allin, principal bassoonist with City of Birmingham Orchestra (CBSO), when the CBSO were at 60 Newhall Str.. There is a newspaper at the bottom of the case dating July 8th, 1952.
Specific literature references:	Boosey & Hawkes archive.
Previous owner:	Vaughan Allin. Donated to Birmingham School of Music ca 1960 by Vaughan Allin principal bassoonist with City of Birmingham Orchestra (CBSO).
Previous collection numbers:	A and B: Item 84.

Catalogue number:	5.6
Original name:	Bassoon in C.
Type or system:	21 keys, German system.
Maker:	Oscar Adler & Co.
Place of origin:	Germany, early 20th century.
Serial number:	1195.
Overall size:	1332mm.
Technical description:	bell: 356mm; long joint: 569mm; wing joint: 488mm; boot: 407mm); silver plated keys. German silver boot. Linked B, C and D keys. C sharp and harmonic 1 key linked to . Wing joint and boot lined with ebonite.

	Key work and Finger holes.
	Left hand thumb:	B flat, B, C, D, harm 1, harm 2, C sharp, crook.
	Left hand, first finger:	T.
	Left hand, second finger:	T.
	Left hand, third finger:	T, Ring giving high B and C.
	Left hand, fourth finger:	E flat, low C sharp.
	Right hand, thumb:	B flat, low E, F sharp, A flat.
	Right hand, first finger:	T, C sharp trill.
	Right hand, second finger:	T, Ring giving high G.
	Right hand, third finger:	Alt. B flat, G.
	Right hand, fourth finger:	F, F sharp, A flat.

Inscription:	Stamped on bell: “OSCAR ADLER & Co. / MARKNEUKIRCHEN S / JOSEPH HIGHAM / MANCHESTER / SOLE AGENTS / FOR GREAT BRITAIN”; stamped on long joint “JOSEPH HIGHAM / MANCHESTER / SOLE AGENTS / FOR GREAT BRITAIN”; stamped on boot joint: “1195”.
Faults:	Silver plating on some key touches are worn. German silver is oxidising.
Usable pitch:	Plays at a’ = 440 Hz.
Illustration references:	See below.
Previous owner:	Purchased second-hand in 1954 for £130.

Catalogue number:	5.7
Original name:	Bassoon in C.
Type or system:	21 keys.
Maker:	Buffet Crampon & Cie.
Place of origin:	Paris, c.1910.
Serial number:	4897.
Overall size:	1325mm.
Depth of crook receiver:	26.5mm.
Diameter of crook receiver:	11.8mm.
Technical description:	Bell: 393mm; long joint: 497mm; wing joint: 470mm; boot: 435mm. Linked B flat, B, C and D keys. Harmonic keys 2 and 3 linked to crook key. Ebonite rollers on C sharp, crook, B flat, G, F and A flat key touches.

	Key work and Finger holes.
	Left hand thumb:	B flat, B, C, D, E flat, harm 1, harm 2, harm 3, crook.
	Left hand, first finger:	T, G trill, A flat.
	Left hand, second finger:	T, F sharp trill.
	Left hand, third finger:	T, E flat.
	Left hand, fourth finger:	C sharp, crook.
	Right hand, thumb:	T, F sharp.
	Right hand, first finger:	T.
	Right hand, second finger:	T, C sharp.
	Right hand, third finger:	B flat, G.
	Right hand, fourth finger:	F, A flat.

Inscription:	Stamped on bell: “[motif: lyre] / BUFFET / Crampon & Cie / A PARIS” in oval cartouche / BC (monogram) / MADE IN PARIS / 4897 (above ferrule)”; stamped on long joint: “[motif: lyre] / BUFFET / Crampon & Cie / A PARIS” in oval cartouche / BC (monogram) / MADE IN PARIS”; stamped on boot: “[motif: lyre] / BUFFET / Crampon & Cie / A PARIS” in oval cartouche / BC (monogram) / MADE IN PARIS”.
Faults:	Some modifications have been made: most drastic are those to the boot, where there is a key missing. There was probably originally an alternative F key and crook link operated by the player’s right hand thumb.
Cases and accessories:	2 crooks, made 2002.
Repair history:	Restored 2002. Key work replated.
Usable pitch:	Plays at a’ = 440 Hz.
Illustration references:	See below.
Previous collection numbers:	A: 85.

Catalogue number:	5.8
Original name:	Bassoon in C.
Type or system:	21 keys, German system.
Maker:	Dallas.
Place of origin:	London, first half of 20th century.
Serial number:	2319.
Overall size:	1347mm.
Bore:	Wing joint: crook receiver 11.3mm - 14.6mm; boot joint: 15.9mm - 25.5mm; long joint: 24.6mm - 33.9mm; bell: 35mm - 40mm.
Technical description:	Bell: 362mm; long joint: 653mm; wing joint: 519mm; boot: 421mm; Number 2 crook by Schreiber & Söhne comes with it, but it is fairly bent; heavy lacquer/varnish. Linked B, C and D keys. Harmonic 1 and crook key linked to LH3. Low E key linked to crook key. Ebonite key rollers on E flat, low C sharp, F and A flat key touches.

	Key work and Finger holes
	Left hand thumb:	B flat, B, C, D, harm 1, harm 2, C sharp, crook key.
	Left hand, first finger:	T.
	Left hand, second finger:	T, F sharp trill.
	Left hand, third finger:	T, Ring key giving high B and C.
	Left hand, fourth finger:	E flat, low C sharp.
	Right hand, thumb:	B flat, low E, F sharp, A flat.
	Right hand, first finger:	T, C sharp trill.
	Right hand, second finger:	T, Ring key giving high G.
	Right hand, third finger:	Alt. B flat, G.
	Right hand, fourth finger:	F, A flat, F sharp.

Inscription:	Stamped on Bell: “SOLE / DISTRIBUTORS / DALLAS LONDON” on front and “2319” on back; stamped at bottom of long joint and boot joint: “2319”. No markings on wing joint.
Cases and accessories:	Thumb rest, 2 cleaners.
Illustration references:	See below.
Usable pitch:	Plays at a’ = 440 Hz.

Catalogue number:	5.9
Original name:	Bassoon in C.
Type or system:	15 keys.
Maker:	Unknown, early 20th century.
Overall size:	1311mm.
Bore:	Wing joint: crook receiver - 14mm av. - 16mm; boot joint: 16mm - 26mm; long joint: 26mm - 34.5mm; bell: 35mm av. - 34mm.
Technical description:	4 sections of rosewood. Wing joint: 528mm; boot: 448mm; long joint: 604mm; bell: 34.5mm. Silver keywork mounted by posts and axles without plates. Silver bell rim. Ebonite rollers on F and A flat touches. Keys mounted by post and axles attached without plates. Leaf and needle springs.

	Key work and Finger holes.
	Left hand thumb:	B flat, B, C, harm 1, harm 2, C sharp, D, E flat.
	Left hand, first finger:	T.
	Left hand, second finger:	T, F sharp trill.
	Left hand, third finger:	T, E flat.
	Left hand, fourth finger:	C sharp, crook key.
	Right hand, thumb:	T, F sharp.
	Right hand, first finger:	T.
	Right hand, second finger:	T.
	Right hand, third finger	T, B flat.
	Right hand, fourth finger	F, A flat.

Inscription:	Engraved on crook receiver, boot ferrule, bell ferrule and middle key: “B.S.M” (Birmingham School of Music). D flap guard incorporating “R”.
Faults:	Wing joint has split vertically, being repaired with 3 bolts and 4 screws. Crook key and key link missing.
Illustration references:	See below.

Catalogue number:	5.10
Original name:	Bassoon Crooks.
Maker:	Thomas Palmer.
	c 1960.
Technical description:	13 bassoon crooks: 7 “18-1”, 2 “C-1”, by Thomas Palmer; 2 “J Puchner”, 1 German made, 1 unlabeled.
Inscription:	Engraved: “18-1”; “T. PALMER” and; “U.K.”.
Previous owner:	Thomas Palmer, bequeathed 2001.

Catalogue number:	5.11
Original name:	Bassoon Reeds.
Maker:	Various.
Technical description:	29 bassoon reeds from different makers dating from the 1950s and 1960s.
Previous owner:	Thomas Palmer, bequeathed 2001.

Catalogue number:	5.12
Original name:	Baritone Sarrusaphone.
Type or system:	17 keys.
Nominal pitch:	B flat.
Maker:	Probably Gautrot, imported by Rudall, Rose, Carte & Co.
	The “GA” engraved on the bell probably refers to Gautrot.
Place of origin:	Paris, c.1868 (based on a comparison with other Rudall, Rose, Carte & Co. serial numbers).
Serial number:	1262.
Overall size:	875mm.
Sounding length:	2485mm; sounding length of crook: 335mm.
Diameter of crook receiver:	12.5mm.
Technical description:	Brass, lacquered body. Brass keys mounted on brass posts and axles. 2 brass thumb rests, music lyre receiver with screw, and sling hook ring. Crook receiver with adjustable screw. Crook probably original, one small patch.
Inscription:	Engraved on bell: “GA / 415 / RUDALL.ROSE.CARTE & CO. / 20 / CHARING CROSS / LONDON / No. 1262”.
Illustration references:	See below.
Previous collection numbers:	A and B: Item 104.