Baritone shoulder horn in B-flat

Henry G. Lehnert

after 1875 · Brass, nickel silver · Musical Instruments

The unique and ingenious design of this instrument was patented in 1875, in anticipation of the American centennial. Its body takes the form of an oval, with the mouthpipe and mouthpiece extending inwards. The instrument is placed over the player's head and the main tubing rests on the shoulders, evenly distributing the weight of the horn between both sides of the body. The bell points forward in front of the performer. Players on the march appreciated the ergonomic design of these "Centennial model" basses and baritones. It is thought that Lehnert conceived of the instruments as a family and that tenor and alto models were also produced. A handful of other instruments made by Lehnert with a different configuration (alto and tenor valve trombones and an alto horn) were also marked with the centennial stamp but do not bear the patent specification and presumably did not take the oval shoulder horn form.

Artist

Henry G. Lehnert

Date

after 1875

Medium

Brass, nickel silver

Culture

American

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1989