Saxophone

Object Name:

Saxophone

Object ID:

1994.024.01

Place of Origin:

Chicago, IL

Date:

1917-1928

Description:

Saxophone, soprano, and accoutrements in box, played in Europe during WWI by Fred G. Wenzel (1895-1972) of Manchester, NH, Chief Librarian and First Saxophonist in Pershing's Band. (.1) Brass saxophone; (.2) Black mouthpiece with reed and clamp, 2.25" high 1" diameter; (.3) Steel mouthpiece cover, 2.25" high, 1.25" diameter; (.4) Small, brass lyre-shaped music stand, with spring clip, Fits into saxophone, 6.25" high, 2" wide, 0.75" deep; (.5) Black leather neck strap with cord, brass eyelets and steel hook. Hooks into saxophone. Leather embossed: "TRADE MARK / DUPLEXO / PAT. MAY 25 NOV 2, 1920 / PAT JULY 26, 1927 PAT APRIL 11, 1928". 17" LONG; (.6) Two reeds on cards; (.7) Two screwdrivers; (.8) Polishing cloth; (.9) Steel-edged black vinyl fitted instrument case with green corduroy. Hinged lid closes with 2 latches and a lock. Single carrying handle. Insignia painted on lid (circle with 3 stripes, blue, white, red), said to represent the "Rainbow Division". Steel nameplate on lid, illegible. Fragments of stickers on lid and bottom, "FRAGILE / HANDLE WITH CARE". 18.5" long, 9" high, 5" deep.
Object Register: Soprano saxophone, and accoutrements, played in Europe during WWI by Fred G. Wenzel 1895-1972 of Manchester, NH, Chief Librarian and First Saxophonist in Pershing's Band. .1 Brass saxophone; Etched front, "L[io]n Healy / American / Professional / Chicago" surrounded by flowers. Back engraved: "LOW PITCH / 33488". Cork, felt, and leather pads. Rubber band attached to back.

Material:

Metal
Wood
Composition
Brass
Leather
Cork
Leather

Dimensions:

H-9 L-18.5 D-5 inches

Provenance:

Carl E. Wenzel, Goffstown, NH, son of Fred G. Wenzel, and donor of saxophone and related objects; also has his father's gold-plated saxophone, which was used after World War I.
Fred G. Wenzel (1895-1972), Manchester, NH; first generation American; parents emigrated from Germany; resided in West Manchester; married 1922, Erna A. Rausch, four children; State Representative from Manchester, 1920s; said to have been the first saxophone player in New Hampshire (1911); took lessons in Boston; WWI, Chief Librarian and First Saxophonist in Pershing's Band; brought three saxophones with him during WWI -- soprano, baritone, bass -- this one is the soprano. Played in several bands before and after WWI, including Ted Herbert's, Ferdinando's, and the Wenzels' own band (Fred and his brothers, Kirt, Gussy, and Herb); played with NH State Guard Band during WWII; saxophone teacher.
The saxophone was invented in 1846 by Adolphe Sax; made in a variety of sizes.

Credit Line:

Gift of Carl E. and Milli Wenzel

People:

Wenzel, Fred G. (1895-1972)