Budapest, Hungary
Stowasser

Rosewood, metal, leather
ca.  First half of 20th century
Length w/MPC:  28.5 inches
Wind Instruments – Woodwind Instruments – Single Reed

Stamped on each section: Crown logo “S”/ STOWASSER / BUDAPEST (in oval cartouche) / (triangle) / TÖRV VÉD / 19865……….All original, excellent condition w/no cracks.

The tárogató was originally a double-reed instrument from as far back as the 15^th century or earlier and was known as a shawm/zurna.  It was mainly used for outdoor events and as a signaling device on the battlefield.   At the end of the 19th century Venzel József Schunda (1845-1923), made it into a single-reed instrument with a clarinet mouthpiece and fitted it with a system of keys.  Schunda, a Budapest instrument maker was trying his hand at designing a ‘national’ musical instrument for the Hungarian millennium celebration in 1895.  He also produced the concert cimbalom (hammered dulcimer).  A Koleszar cimbalom can also be found in this collection under strings – zithers.

This early János Stowasser tarogato in Bb with two ring keys, was owned by John L. Kasza, who told about risking his life to smuggle his family prized possession out while escaping from Hungry during World War II.  The Stowasser Factory in Budapest made tarogatos until 1946 when the Factory burnt down. These were and still are considered the best tarogatos made.  It is all original with mouthpiece and cap, ligature, and fitted leather and wood case.

Resource:  History of the instrument:  http://www.sfoxclarinets.com/Tarogatoart.html