Oboe in C
Catalogue number: 3.5
Original name: Oboe in C.
Type or system: Two keys.
Maker: Thomas Cahusac I fl 1738-1798.
Place of origin: London, c.1775.
The Cahusac family all used this mark, making it very hard to identify exactly when this item was made. The style would suggest that it was by the father, Thomas senior, but it could be the work of Thomas Jr (c.1780-1814) and his brother William Maurice (1796-1816).
Overall size: 585mm total length.
Bore: 6mm.
Diameter of reed receiver: 7.8mm.
Technical description: Three sections (202.5mm, 212.5mm, 160mm) three joints; two brass keys, one swallowtail, mounted on raised blocks; only one hole halved.
The top of the instrument has not been turned but is smooth (English “straight-top”); boxwood and ivory (between top and middle joints), with cork on the tenons.
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Key work and finger holes |
Finger hole diameter (av.) |
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Left hand, first finger: |
T; 3mm |
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Left hand, second finger: |
T; 2.5mm |
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Left hand, third finger: |
T; 2.5mm |
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Right hand, first finger: |
T; 4.8mm |
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Right hand, second finger: |
T; 4.9mm |
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Right hand, third finger: |
T; 4.7mm |
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Right hand, fourth finger: |
Low C, D sharp / E flat |
Inscription: Stamped on the middle and bell joints: “CAHUSAC
Inscription: Stamped on the middle and bell joints: “CAHUSAC / LONDON”; Stamped on the top joint: “CAHUSAC/ LONDON / REPOSITORY / TRURO”.
Faults: Cracks: Foot of top joint (slight), top of middle (repaired), and at the foot of the bell reaching approx. halfway up (repaired). Warped considerably.
Repair history: Cleaned, new leather pads, April 2000. Cork tenons replaced with linen string, 2008.
Usable pitch: Plays at c.a’ = 430 Hz.
Recording references: Click here
Previous collection numbers: A and B: Item 29b.