Cramer & Key 3-keyed Serpent

Object Details

Description

This serpent was made by Cramer & Key in London, England, around 1805-1807. It is a 3-keyed serpent made of maple, covered with leather and linen, strengthened by 2 metal rods. This serpent has 6 fingerholes with ivory bushes, 3 brass keys, a brass band at the top, a brass rim around the edge of the bell, brass crook, and an ivory mouthpiece. The keys have flat round key heads and are mounted in saddles. Etched on the top brass band:

CRAMER & KEY
PALL MALL LONDON

Instrument makers John Cramer (c. 1764 – 1828) and Thomas Key (17?? – 1853), had a brief partnership in London from 1804-1808. John Cramer was trained by instrument maker George Miller and took over his workshop in 1791 at No. 3 Dacre Street, Westminster. In July 1804 John Cramer started his business partership with his foreman Thomas Key at Pall Mall No. 2. In September 1807 their partnership was dissolved, and John Cramer continued with his son John Theodore Jonas Cramer (1792-1818) at Pall Mall No. 20.

Location

Currently not on view

Data Source

National Museum of American History

maker

Cramer & Key

date made

1805 - 1807

Credit Line

Gift of Wesleyan University

Physical Description

maple (overall material)

leather (overall material)

linen (overall material)

brass (overall material)

ivory (overall material)

Measurements

serpent: 4 3/4 in x 17 1/4 in x 28 7/8 in; 12.065 cm x 43.815 cm x 73.3425 cm

mouthpiece extender: 7/8 in x 4 3/8 in x 7 7/8 in; 2.2225 cm x 11.1125 cm x 20.0025 cm

mouthpiece ivory: 1 13/16 in x 1 5/16 in; 4.60375 cm x 3.33375 cm

box of fragments: 3 1/4 in x 10 in x 13 in; 8.255 cm x 25.4 cm x 33.02 cm

Object Name

serpent