DCM 1059: Anonymous Clarinet in A and B-flat

DCM ledger: "This clarinet looks somewhat like Rampone's French Patent No. 313.545, 16 Aug. 1901. Rampone has two sets of holes with two independent sets of keys: This clarinet has two sets of holes with connected double set of keys. It is exactly Buffet's Patent No. 53494, March 27, 1862." See "Preface."
Instrument type: Clarinet in A and B-flat
Medium: Silver-plated.; 61.7 cm. (without mouthpiece).
Key Holes System: Boehm system, 18 keys, each operating oval toneholes, 6 finger rings, also controlling dual toneholes. The lower of each pair of toneholes is for the clarinet in A. The upper of each pair being for the clarinet in B-flat. Inside the main tube is an inner tube perforated with corresponding pairs of toneholes which align with either the A or B-flat outer tube toneholes when bell is rotated approximately 40 degrees. This was for supposed theatre orchestra quick-change from A to B-flat, similar to such devices for period cornets. See Notes.
Mark Maximum: No mark.
Condition: Missing mouthpiece. Right thumb hook detached. Bell garland cracked in 6 places, portions missing.
Provenance: H. Manière, Paris, 5 Aug. 1931.

The Dayton C. Miller collection in the Library of Congress, contains nearly 1,700 flutes and other wind instruments, statuary, iconography, books, music, trade catalogs, tutors, patents, and other materials mostly related to the flute. It includes both Western and non-Western examples of flutes from around the world, with at least 460 European and American instrument makers represented. Items in the collection date from the 16th to the 20th century.