Bass Ophicleide in C (?) 1837 - 1854

This Bass Ophicleide in C (?) is a brass instrument from the 19th century, crafted by the artist Bartsch in the mid-1800s. It is a member of the keyed bugle family and is known for its deep, sonorous sound, having been used extensively in orchestral and band music. The ophicleide is notable for its unique design, featuring a long, cylindrical body with a flared bell and a complex system of valves and keys. It is a rare instrument today, and this particular example is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.