Name of Instrument: cornetto in D

Maker / Brand: L. Franciolini shop

Stearns Catalog #: 0835

Country of Origin: Florence, Italy

Region of Origin: Europe

Instrument Category: Aerophone

Date of Fabrication: late-19th C.

Location: AER P 1

Description: This instrument is a forgery created by the Florence-based instrument salesman Leopoldo Franciolini. Although the octagonal shape of this Cornetto in D is correct, the scale is wrong, the workmanship is clumsy, and the finger holes are spaced so far apart on this three-foot long instrument as to render human hands incapable of playing lower pitches. It is made of leather-covered pine with an ivory ferrule. It has a single brass key (flat flap) mounted in a brass saddle with a sheet metal spring. It bears the telltale red paper stamp of the Franciolini shop.

Research: Prof. James M. Borders