Not currently on display at the V&A

Speaking Trumpet

ca. 1738 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The large-scale expansion of the brass industry in Europe dates from the late 17th century. It was driven by improvements in the supply of zinc combined with an increasing understanding of the chemical structure of the alloy. At the same time brass founders began to favour moulds of sand instead of clay. This reduced the cost of casting, and soon the range of cast brass goods increased dramatically. By the 19th century, brass had become extremely versatile and inexpensive and the applications were almost endless.

This speaking trumpet is engraved with a windmill, lions, dogs and stylised flowers. It bears the monogram of its maker, Jacques Vincent.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Brass, engraved
Brief description
Speaking trumpet, brass, by Jacques Vincent, ornamented with bands of strapwork and foliage, and includes the monogram SMA, two lions and two dogs, French, dated 1738
Physical description
Engraved brass, bearing the monogram SMA, ensigned with a coronet and a crest. Signed Jacques Vincent Fecit 1738 . The trumpet is ornamented towards the larger end with three broad bands of strapwork and foliage, separated by borders of foliage; the middle band includes the monogram and crest (a windmill), enclosed in frames supported respectively by two lions and two dogs. The oval mouthpiece is pierced with holes for the attachment of a rim.
Dimensions
  • Height: 21.875in
  • Diameter: 7.5in
Marks and inscriptions
  • SMA (Monogram)
  • Jacques Vincent Fecit 1738 (Signature; 1738)
Subjects depicted
Summary
The large-scale expansion of the brass industry in Europe dates from the late 17th century. It was driven by improvements in the supply of zinc combined with an increasing understanding of the chemical structure of the alloy. At the same time brass founders began to favour moulds of sand instead of clay. This reduced the cost of casting, and soon the range of cast brass goods increased dramatically. By the 19th century, brass had become extremely versatile and inexpensive and the applications were almost endless.

This speaking trumpet is engraved with a windmill, lions, dogs and stylised flowers. It bears the monogram of its maker, Jacques Vincent.
Collection
Accession number
519-1901

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Record createdFebruary 12, 2004
Record URL
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