Sopranino Clarinet in E-flat

Henry Distin Mfg. Co.

Not on view

This clarinet features the Brille, or spectacle key (composed of two rings), patented by Adolphe Sax in 1840. It became the preferred clarinet key system in England during the second half of the nineteenth century and was referred to as the "simple system."

The Distins were leading manufacturers of wind instruments in London during the mid nineteenth century before Herny Distin sold the family firm to Boosey & Co. in 1868. As virtuoso brass players performing as the Distin Family Quintet and as instrument makers, the Distins played a vital role in introducing Adolphe Sax's instruments to Britain and the United States.

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