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{The Brussels Musical Instruments Museum Oboe Collection}
Stefaan Verdegem - Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel
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IND ?> Inv. number
1983
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CN/NP ?> Common name / Nominal Pitch
Oboe in C
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TS ?> Type or system
Schaffner-system oboe
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MK ?> Maker
Pupeschi
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IN ?> Mark, inscriptions
1890 / Systema / SCHAFFNER / FIRENZE (in oval cartouche) PUPESCHI / FIRENZE // A./ V. Mahillon
- PL ?> Place of origin Firenze
- DM ?> Date of making Between 1890–1900.
- MATERIALS Ebonite with nickel silver keywork.
- MEASUREMENTS
- Body Length 542mm (one-piece body).
- Acoustic Length n.m.
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BORE
Some keys through bore (as far as is visible).
- Minimal bore Not measurable because the octave-hole receiver is drilled through the bore.
- Reed well diameter 7mm
- Reed or crook well depth (if cylindrical) 18.3mm
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TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Schaffner system oboe, patented by Pupeschi.
Deviating, experimental mechanism.
Keyboard like fingering system with square plateaux for each separate note.
No bell rim.
No vent-holes.
Bell with end ring.
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FL ?> Faults
Very good condition. Keywork seems in good state but is not in good playing condition.
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PA ?> Playing Accessories
Reed (not original) for display only.
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UP ?> Usable Pitch
Pitch hard to determine, because only a few notes play, giving A = c.440Hz with reed TL 73mm / 47mm / tip width 7.2mm.
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PC ?> Performance Characteristics
Broad clear sound as far as could be evaluated.
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PO ?> Previous Ownership
Gift of V.-C. Mahillon (1900).
- FM ?> Further information on maker
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SR ?> Specific literature Reference
Mahillon (R1978) Vol.III pp.400–1.
Mentioned in Gérard (2009) p.10.
- GL ?> General literature (about this type of instrument)
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Remarks
One can assume that the 1890 in the oval cartouche is the date of the invention/patent of this instrument type, and not the date of manufacture.
The Schaffner-system oboe by Pupeschi (invented in 1889 according to Gérard (2009) p.4) is not to be confused with the Pupeschi-system clarinet or oboe, of which Mahillon bought the patent. See De Keyser (1996) pp.247–251 and the Echo Musical of 16 January 1893 pp.19–20 for this.
Apparently – given the stamp - Mahillon distributed the instruments of Pupeschi, whom he esteemed very highly.
{Pupeschi}
