Rare Antique 18th/19th C. Wooden Leather-Bound Serpent – Historic Instrument For Sale

Welcome to Dash Vintage III,

Up for sale today is a sale is a magnificent, rare piece of musical history: an authentic original 18th to early 19th-century Serpent. This exceptionally rare instrument represents a critical link in the evolution of low-pitched wind and brass instruments, serving as a direct historical ancestor to the modern tuba and ophicleide. Crafted during the classical/early romantic eras, this piece is an extraordinary find for early music performers, historical instrument collectors, or museum curators.

Construction & Features:

• Body Construction: Features the traditional two-part hand-carved wooden core, skillfully hollowed out and historically wrapped in its original black leather skin.

• Keywork: Equipped with rare, original hand-fitted brass keys, complete with functional mounting blocks along the curves. These keys were historically added to early 19th-century models to stabilize lower intonation and expand player pitch reach.

• Bocal/Crook: Includes the original, elegantly curved brass bocal (crook) firmly seated into the upper ferrule.

• Finger Holes: Retains the classic six-finger hole layout split into two distinct groupings for proper historical hand-positioning.

Instruments like this are exceptionally rare to encounter in such condition, making this a highly desirable piece for collectors, enthusiasts, or players looking for a truly unique voice.

Condition Report (Please Review Photos Carefully);

This instrument is offered in unrestored, authentic antique condition with a beautiful, honest patina that speaks to its centuries of history.

• Exterior: The original leather wrapping shows expected wear, surface scuffs, and minor abrasions consistent with an organic artifact of this age.

• Seams: There is a visible, clean separation along portions of the main inner-curve seam line. The underlying wood core appears solid and structurally intact.

• Playability: Sold as a historical artifact / restoration project. To return this instrument to performance-ready standards, the leather seams will need to be professionally resealed/conditioned to ensure the body is entirely airtight.

• Mouthpiece: Please note, the final cup mouthpiece (historically ivory, horn, or wood) is missing and not included.

Provenance & Identification: No obvious maker stamps are visible on the exterior, which is common for artisanal instruments of this period. However, the exact construction profile, keywork mounts, and bocal style heavily point toward a late-Regency or early-Victorian origin.

Overall, this is a wonderful horn for sure that will make a great addition for a professional and/or collector, so don't miss out!

This item is being sold as-is as pictured with no returns, so please take a look at the photos carefully as they are part of the description. Please ask any questions before purchasing as there are no returns or refunds for this sale! By offerding on this item, you agree to the termsand conditions of this sale. Buyers are expected to pay within 2 days of winning the sale. I will pack/ship promptly upon receiving the cleared payment and will provide the tracking number. Shipping worldwide - buyers are responsible for paying any potential tariff, duty charges, or any other associated import fees.

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