England, United Kingdom
Metzler

Wood, leather, brass, ivory, plastic
ca. 1815
Length: 89 in, Bell diameter: 4.5 in
Wind Instruments – Brasswinds – Serpents

Inscription on the brass bell rim:  Metzler / London / 105 Wardour St

This English “Military” style serpent has tighter bends than the French “Church” style serpent (also found in this collection). It is in the nominal pitch of C.  Metal rods and a wide brass bell ring serves as reinforcement. The tube is wood bound with leather and has six tone holes (two lined with original ivory with 4 relined with white plastic – this being the only conservation work on the instrument).  There are 2 brass keys, a brass crook, and the original ivory mouthpiece.

The serpent was used in the English church bands during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.  During the mid-eighteenth century it became a popular instrument in the English and German military bands.  It was also used in the orchestra as a bass voice by such composers as Handel, Haydn, Berlioz, and Mendelsohn.

Resource:  “The New Langwill Index: A Dictionary of Musical Wind-Instrument Makers and Inventors”, 1993. William Waterhouse.  Publisher: Tony  Bingham, London, pg 261.