Over-the-Shoulder Soprano Horn in E-flat

John F. Stratton

ca. 1880 · Nickel-silver · Musical Instruments

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.

Artist

John F. Stratton

Date

ca. 1880

Medium

Nickel-silver

Culture

American

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889