Valve horn c. 1860 - 1870

This valve horn was made by Georg Johann Ottensteiner sometime in the mid-19th century, using brass. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, which has excellent acoustic properties and a warm, resonant tone, ideal for musical instruments. The process of shaping brass into a horn involves a combination of skills. It begins with casting or drawing the brass into sheets or tubes. These are then carefully bent, shaped, and soldered together to form the complex curves and joints. The valves, which allow the player to change the length of the instrument and thus alter the pitch, are intricate mechanical components. They require precise machining and assembly. The creation of this horn reflects a workshop system, where specialized labor and craft knowledge were combined. Musical instruments like this one occupied a unique space between craft, art, and industry, requiring both technical skill and artistic sensibility. This horn stands as a testament to the skilled labor of the 19th century. It reminds us that even functional objects can embody rich cultural and social meaning.