Label:
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Gautrot Breveté S.G.D.G. PARIS G. (anchor) A. ------------ ALTONAGA HERMANOS MANILA |
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Model:
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Cor d'Harmonie | |
Serial Number:
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none | |
Date of Manufacture:
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ca. 1890 | |
Key(s):
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no original crooks | |
Valves:
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3 Perinet | |
Bore:
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11.6 mm. | |
Bell Flare:
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gusset | |
Bell Throat:
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approx. 9.5 cm. | |
Bell Diameter:
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28.1 cm. | |
Base Metal:
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brass | |
Finish:
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raw brass | |
The firm Gautrot aîné was founded in 1845 by Pierre Louis Gautrot. By 1855 it had grown to a workforce of over 300 in Paris producing 20,000 brass, woodwind and string instruments, mostly for export. In 1867 it was reported that about 24,000 brass instruments were produced. From the start the firm specialized in 'pacotille' (cheaper quality) brass instruments lower in price than the competition, although it also produced higher quality instruments as well. In 1882 the firm was taken over by son-in-law, A.A. Couesnon who began marketing instruments under his own name and trade marks as well as those of Gautrot. |
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The
label
indicates this horn was apparently intended for export to the Philippines under
contract with Altanaga Hermanos (Altanaga brothers) in Manila.
1889 MEDAILLE D'OR Gautrot Breveté S.G.D.G. PARIS G. (anchor) A. ------------ ALTONAGA HERMANOS MANILA "Breveté" indicates that the design of this horn incorporates one or more patents claimed by Gautrot. "S.G.D.G." (Sans garantie du Gouvernement) is a disclaimer required by the government of France stating that it does not guarantee enforcement of the claimed patent. Gautrot aîné claimed many brass instrument patents, especially in valve design. The anchor and letters G and A within the oval cartouche was one of the original trade marks of Gautrot aîné. The bell is also stamped with the medaille d'or of the Paris Exposition of 1889, a date which implies this horn was made by Couesnon. There is also a tiny happy face with sun rays stamped on the second valve case which is similar to Philippine flag design. A letter M is stamped on the crook receiver for no apparent reason. |
This catalog photo shows a horn of the same wrap as the Gautrot
Breveté.
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