Title: Over-the-Shoulder Alto Horn
Maker: John Howard Foote
Model: N/A
Date: c. 1870s
Geography: Distributed in New York, New York, and Chicago, Illinois, United States, but likely imported from Germany.
Material: Brass
Serial Number: N/A
Accession Number: GL-105_A8-05
Provenance: Founding Greenleaf Donation from Conn Museum, 1969 (to be confirmed)
Description
Key: E-flat, Alto
Pitch: High (likely)
Bell Orientation: Over-the-Shoulder (OTS)
Finish: Silver-plated
Lacquer: Yes
Engraving: Oval medallion on bell stamped with “J. / H. [lyre] F. / NY&C”. No decorative engraving.
Mouthpiece: No
Accessories: No
Case: No
Notes:
Three top-action string-operated rotary valves, with replacement retaining screws.
John Howard Foote (1833-1896) was a musical instrument dealer and importer. In 1863, Foote established his business in New York after working for the music importers Rohé & Leavitt. From 1864-1865 he was partners with J. F. Stratton, under the name Stratton & Foote. In 1868, Foote opened his branch store in Chicago, Illinois. (Source: Waterhouse, William. The New Langwell Index: A Dictionary of Musical Wind-Instrument Makers and Inventors. Tony Bingham, London, 1993. Page 120.)
This instrument has a wide bell and scholars might use the modern classification of “saxhorn”.
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Tags: alto horn, john howard foote, brass, over-the-shoulder, rotary valves, united states