Hopkins 5-Keyed Clarinet

Object Details

Description

This clarinet was made by Asa Hopkins in Litchfield, Connecticut around 1829 to 1837. It is a 5-keyed clarinet in C made of boxwood with ivory ferrules and square brass keys. This clarinet is stamped:

A. HOPKINS
LITCHFIELD
CONN

Asa Hopkins (1779-1838) began his career as a clockmaker from about 1810 to 1825. Hopkins moved his shop to a location on the Naugatuck River and began making musical instruments in 1829. A lathe attributed to the workshop of Asa Hopkins is in the museum’s Mechanical and Civil Engineering collection (Cat. #333592).

Location

Currently not on view

Data Source

National Museum of American History

maker

Hopkins, Asa

Date made

1829-1837

Credit Line

Gift of A. Cyrus Yingst

Physical Description

boxwood (overall material)

ivory (overall material)

brass (overall material)

Measurements

mouthpiece: 3 5/8 in x 15/16 in; 9.2075 cm x 2.38125 cm

upper joint: 13 1/4 in x 1 3/8 in; 33.655 cm x 3.4925 cm

lower joint: 9 in x 1 5/8 in; 22.86 cm x 4.1275 cm

bell: 4 3/16 in x 3 in; 10.63625 cm x 7.62 cm

overall: 21 in x 3 in; 53.34 cm x 7.62 cm

Object Name

clarinet