One of only four known instruments crafted by Richardson & Co., Rochester NY, a nine Key Bugle.
This exceedingly rare and fine instrument measures without crook, tuning piece and mouthpiece, 17-3/4 inches in length; the bell measures 5-11/16 inches, and the bore is 0.5 inches. I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination and I can therefore only guess that this keyed bugle is a Bb bugle.
The other two extant Richardson bugles are Eb bugles, one in the collection of the University of Illinois at Urbania, the other in the priate collection of Steven Ward. The third extant instrument is a post horn with Vienna valves which is in the private collection of Mark Elrod.
This copper horn has brass trim and is signed on the brass garland, "RICHARDSON & Co. ROCHESTER N.Y.
Condition:
This bugle is in remarkable condition with only minor dents and dings. The fifth valve is missing, and the copper tubing of the crook is dented and the soldering lose. The restoration of this fine and exceedingly rare instrument should not present any problems.
History:
Samuel W. Richardson was born in 1803 in Connecticut. By 1832 he was living in Winchester, NH working for Graves & Co. In 1834 he married Harriet Alexander. The census shows him in Winchester in 1845. Eventually Richardson moved to Rochester, NY. Beginning in 1847, Richardson set up shop as an instrument maker in Rochester, New York, with address, Curtis Building, h. 47 N. Clinton. In 1849 the directory shows the same listing. In 1851, he is listed as upholsterer at, 13 Front St, h. 47 N. Clinton. In 1853 no occupation is given, same home address. In 1855 his daughter Harriet was born and he is now listed as agent at, h. 43 Franklin St. In 1857 no occupation was given; in 1859 he is listed as "foreman Burr´s Perfumery Factory." From 1861-64 no occupation was given; and in 1866 he was listed as a "Patent Leg Maker at, h. 43 Franklin St. For the years 1867-69 no occupation was given. For the years 1870-72 he was listed as a machinist at, 136 Mill St, home address the same. Samuel W. Richardson died around 1872 but the listings also have Harriet a widow in 1870 so there may be some confusion in the city directories. One problem is that there is another Samuel Richardson listed as wood turner since the 1830s who died around 1867. He was married to Catherine (Kate) and they had a son Samuel W. so that adds to the confusion.
Inventory Number 09330;
Price: Sold!