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French Eb Helicon c.1900 This is a small Helicon in Eb
made by Jerome, Paris. Jerome apparently was an exporter of
brass instruments- but not much else is known about this company. The
bell inscribed:
J.T.L JEROME THIBOUVILLE•LAMY RUE REAUMUR PARIS A.L. This horn
was found in Thailand 1997. Helicons such as this were
often brought to Indochina by French Colonial Bands - but
this one may have been imported for use in the Royal Thai Army Band.
Helicon shaped brass instruments were regularly used for marching
bands- and were sometimes employed in mounted bands. It remains
in good working condition.
P.S. This neat little horn is now owned by Paul Sherman in NY (see pic) he determined that it is actually a small Eb bass- not an alto (oops). Paul is a collector of real and reproduction Medieval and Renaissance instruments. Scroll way down to see photo of him playing his 1810 bass serpent made in Lyon. |