Instruments: English Bass Horn
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The English bass horn was invented in the 1790s by a French ex-patriot, Frichot, who at the time was living in England. This upright serpent with its V-shape, flaring bell and swan-shaped bocal, six fingerholes, no thumbhole, and 3-4 keys, was made entirely of metal and appeared in military bands as well as within orchestral and harmoniemusik, chamber music ensembles. Unlike all of its bass horn relatives, the English bass horn's six fingerholes are placed on the descending tube (or corresponding wing joint section) of its V-configuration.
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From The Tuba Family by Clifford Bevan:
"The origins of the English bass horn lie in a period of increasing revolutionary activity, when some were straightening the serpent and others were fighting for the Rights of Man."
(Bevan, 2000, 86)
One important designation among the upright serpents is the configuration of finger holes for the lengthening of the air column. Using Mendelssohn's 1824 line drawing of the English bass horn (sent in a letter to his sister, Fanny), finger holes have been placed in order on the air column as a way to display their positioning for the English bass horn.
For a complete description of the different types of bass horns, see
Bass horns and Russian bassoons by Craig Kridel
early 19th century brass
Piccolo Press : ITEA Historical Instrument Section : The Tigers Shout Band : Harmoniemusik : Links