Bass horn

Brass instrument with keys engraved inscription on bell, "L.Alman Maker 24 High St. Bristol." The bass horn was invented by Frichot, a refugee from the French Revolution who came to London in the early 1790s. It was designed as a replacement to the serpent being easier to handle. It was first made commercially by Astor about 1800â?¦although very sucessful in England it was adopted on the continent. REFENENCES: ref. A. Baines, 'Musical instruments through the ages' pp.304-5 Penguin 1961