Boosey & Co. - - Bassoon - United Kingdom

Old Boosey & Co. bassoon, London, British-made, dating from the early 20th century.
The instrument is identifiable particularly by its serial number 23065, present in several places on the instrument, as well as by its remarkable open-work metal key guard in the shape of the letter “B,” a feature that is found on Boosey & Co. bassoons preserved in British instrumental collections.

The ancient inscriptions on the sockets are now partially worn away by time, but seem to correspond to the mark of the London manufacturer.

This is a French system bassoon, a type of instrument still widely used in Britain in the early 20th century before the progressive generalization of the German system.

Characteristics:
Manufacturer: Boosey & Co.
Origin: London, United Kingdom
Instrument: bassoon
System: French
Serial number: 23065
Era: early 20th century, probably around 1920
Brown wood body
Old metal clamping
Metal sockets
Open-work key guard with Boosey’s “B”
Curved metal crook present

Serial number repeated on several elements
The instrument shows a beautiful old patina, with signs of use, marks, scratches, and oxidation of the mechanism consistent with its age.

The mechanism appears largely complete in view of the photographs. However, the instrument has not been serviced or tested by a bassoonist or a luthier specialized in bassoons. It is therefore offered as an antique collectible and/or for restoration, with no warranty as to its current playability.

This copy has particular interest as a witness to British instrument-making in the early 20th century and to the period during which French-system bassoons were still used by British musicians.

Provenance: former collection/family that lived in London, United Kingdom.
The numerous detailed photographs show the overall condition, the mechanism, the ancient inscriptions and the serial number and are an integral part of the description.