Object Details
Manufactured by
Cundy-Bettoney Company, American, founded 1907
Subject of
Alton Augustus Adams Sr., Danish West Indian American, 1889 - 1987
Description
A silver flute in three parts used by Alton Augustus Adams Sr. The head joint (2014.263.1.1a) has a lip plate with an embouchure hole near the crown of the flute. The other end of the piece is open. A removable silver cap (2014.263.1.1d) can be placed over the opened end. The flute body (2014.263.1.1b) has raised ribs on one side where the head joint slides into to it. Inscribed on this end is [ALTON A ADAMS / (logo for H. BETTONEY / BOSTON) / BANDMASTER / ST. THOMAS V. I. or U.S. / 5 512 / PAT. SEPT. 14. 1915]. Keys are on one side of the body. A removable silver barrel (2014.263.1.1e) can be placed over this end of the flute. The foot joint (2014.263.1.1c) of the flute has raised ribs where it attaches to the body. Keys are on one side of the foot joint.
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alton A. Adams, Jr. Trustee
Date
ca. 1915
Object number
2014.263.1.1a-e
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Type
flutes (aerophones)
Medium
metal, cork, padding
Dimensions
assembled: 1 11/16 × 26 3/8 × 1 1/2 in. (4.3 × 67 × 3.8 cm)
Place made
Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America
Place used
Virgin Islands of the United States, United States, North and Central America
See more items in
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification
Musical Instruments
Exhibition
Musical Crossroads
On View
NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Topic
African American
Band (Music)
Marching bands (Music)
Military
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmaahc_2014.263.1.1a-e