A DELIGHTFUL percussion instrument with exquisite brass detailing is one of many musical treasures to be gifted to the University of Edinburgh.
The ornate artefact – known as a Turkish Crescent or Chapeau Chinois – is thought to have originated in France and used in 18th and 19th century wind bands.
The instrument is adorned with a conical ‘Chinese hat’, 28 jingle bells and a solid brass eagle with wings spread and beak open.
Museum assistant Catherine Peck and Professor Arnold Myers, Director of the University of Edinburgh’s Collection of Historic Musical Instruments, will demonstrate the instrument.
The Turkish Crescent is one of 36 pieces given to the University’s Collection of Historic Musical Instruments by Susan Tomes, wife of the late Frank Tomes, a musician and sculptor who was also an enthusiastic musical instrument collector.
Other items in this gift include a contrabass trombone nicknamed King Kong, a serpent known as a Russian bassoon and two rare copper Tubas.
The instruments will become permanent exhibits in the University’s collection of Historic Musical Instruments which are open to public view and used in University research.
