CIRCA 1835, PROBABLY ENGLISH

Details

A THREE-KEYED SERPENT
CIRCA 1835, PROBABLY ENGLISH
The leather-covered wood body most unusually decorated as a snake, with gilded scales, the keys, stays, end-pieces, of brass, the mouth-piece of ivory and the finger-holes edged with ivory, two glass eyes above the bell mouth
29 in. (74 cm.), wide; 17¼ in. (44 cm.) deep

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve. No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The serpent is thought to have first appeared in France at the end of the 16th century, as a church instrument, accompanying plainchant. Subsequently they became very popular in military bands, though were gradually superseded by the tuba.

According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York this is the only painted example known.

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