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Over-the-Shoulder Soprano Horn in E-flat

ca. 1880
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 680
This is a typical late model over-the-shoulder horn with string action rotary valves. The instruments were used in military bands that were positioned in front of marching soldiers. The bells pointed backwards so the soldiers following the band could hear them. The instruments were common during the Civil War and were advertised by musical instrument manufacturers as late as the 1880s.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Over-the-Shoulder Soprano Horn in E-flat
  • Maker: John F. Stratton (American)
  • Date: ca. 1880
  • Geography: New York, New York, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Nickel-silver
  • Dimensions: Height: 21 15/16 in. (55.8 cm)
    Diameter (Of bell): 4 5/16 in. (10.9 cm)
    Weight: 1.4 lbs. (635.036 g)
  • Classification: Aerophone-Lip Vibrated-horn
  • Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
  • Object Number: 89.4.2295
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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