East Germany
Max B. Martin

Nickel plated brass
ca. 1930s
Height: 40 in
Wind Instruments – Free Reeds

These multi-belled free-reed horns came from the Tyrolian area of Europe (Austria/East German Region) and were made in different ranges/sizes (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone and Bass), as seen in this collection.  They were played in ensembles much like a brass band.  The schalmei look like a brasswind but is not.  It are a free-reed wind instrument (like an accordion or harmonica), and each bell has its own reed and is capable of only one tone. The air is directed into the various bells via a row of piston valves.  There may be two, three, or four valves depending upon the number of bells and pitch range of the instrument.  The inventor of the schalmei is Max B. Martin, who joined different free reed horns controlled by valves, to one instrument.  Though popularized as a band instrument in the 1920s by the German communist party, this instrument is still played in bands in Germany today.   

This alto schalmei has a crooked lead-in pipe and two valves that control four horn bells.  Because it is a free-reed, the player simply blows into the mouthpiece (no buzzing of lips). 

On another note: There is the antique medieval woodwind instrument called ‘shawm.’  Some languages refer to this instrument as a schalmei, but it is an entirely different instrument.

Reference:  Miscellaneous – Schalmei (aka Martinshorn) | CafeSaxophone Forum;  Shalmei | Wende Museum; http://musikmuseum.dk/1sch1.htm