Anonymous Trumpet in Bb
The Horn of the Month May 2014 is an anonymous trumpet pitched in Bb, circa 1850s. The instrument is made of German-silver* and brass. The bore is cylindrical (trumpet-like) not conical (sax-horn/bugle-like). There are no specific identifying markings on the instrument. Despite its apparent anonymity, there is one very distinct feature. The instrument has three upright action rotary valves; BUT, they are not in the modern order. On modern trumpets the valve order is set: first valve- whole step; second valve- half step and third valve- step and a half. As can be seen with this instrument, other choices of configuration did occur. On this early trumpet the first valve is a half-step, the second valve, a whole step and the third a step and a half, so the tubing is visible in the picture to go from shortest to longest for the valves.
Another example of an instrument with this valve configuration may be viewed at the National Music Museum. NMM10508, an English cornopean in Bb by Thomas Key, circa 1845; this beautiful instrument is part of the Utley Collection at the National Music Museum.
Should this instrument be restored and make an appearance at Chestnut Brass Company concerts- I believe it will be challenging to any player, even if the repertoire is simple!
-Visit the website of the National Music Museum to see many other wonderful examples of historic brass instruments (orgs.usd.edu).
-Of interest: see the article “Valve” Philip Bate/Edward H. Tarr – The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, editors Stanley Sadie and Tyrell Books.

*Note: German-silver is a mixture of copper, zinc and nickel and does not contain silver.