This rare early Jay Bird imitation from an unknown maker is an excellent sounding imitation of a jay bird with great projection. The trap is beautifully made of solid wood with a curved top to make the imitation comfortable to play. The end has a bell shape for extra projection. All black with some wear around the barrel, the total length is 4" with the diameter in the middle of the barrel being 1 1/4" and 1 3/4" at the bell. This Jay Bird imitation whistle is from a collection of traps and sound effects formerly owned by Emil Kresse, principal percussionist and timpanist of the Philadelphia Orchestra (1901 – 1945) who passed them on to Fred D. Hinger, also a former principal percussionist and timpanist with the Philadelphia Orchestra (1948 – 1967) and Metropolitan Opera Orchestra (1967 – 1983). This is a unique opportunity to own a rare imitation with a fine provenance that will become a centerpiece of any vintage traps collection.
General Characteristics | |
Era | 1900-1928 |
Condition | Excellent |
Extra Holes or Modifications | None |
Date | 1920s |
Size | 4" L |