Shawm

Technical description: In two sections separating below hole VII. Possibly olive wood with six pewter bands (including one at the reed well). There is also a wide, ornate band of german silver taking in holes IV and V which are pierced through it. This wide band covers one of the pewter bands. There is a bell ring also of german silver. The bell is screwed in place by a turned wooden thread. There are seven finger-holes at the front (none is displaced sideways) and one thumb-hole at the back. There are five additional vent-holes, two in the bell and three in the lower part of the main section. Repair History: A mark c10mm to the left of the thumb hole may indicate the maker's original intention for the position of that hole, the final position is probably more comfortable for the average thumb.