A good, untouched, example of string-action rotary valve saxhorn typical of those showing up in Civil War marching bands. This measures 20” overall and has an untouched, aged patina showing some stains and a few light dents to the tubing, but no holes or separations and appears to be complete, though showing just remnants of the string.

This family of horns was invented by Adolphe Sax in France, began appearing about 1843, and in the 1850s came to form the majority of instruments in American brass bands. At the beginning of the Civil War many, perhaps most, volunteer regiments showed up with bands as well as the field or company musicians (officially two per company, in the infantry usually a drummer and fifer.) While regarded as useful for morale, bands came to be regarded as a needless expense by the government and in 1862 were eliminated at the regimental level, with regiments then relying on their company musicians as their “drum corps,” but permitted still for brigades throughout the war.  [sr][ph:m/L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!