Antique Musical Instruments/J.Gras oboe

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Expert: - 6/9/2007


Question
Hello Kenton:

Ihope this note finds you well!

I have an old oboe in its original case.  The markings on it says:

Fillmore Music House
J. Gras 10
Brevete sgdo
Paris

Any thoughts, please?  My musician friend says it needs a bit of polishing, has a few surface nicks but never been broken.  One key lost its spring or something.

Thank you, I would appreciate your feedback,
Alexis Jachnik


Answer
The Fillmore Company, Cincinnati, OH. started in business in 1905 as importers of instruments.

Companies named Gras, J. Gras, Gras feres etc. claim to have been founded in 1836 and in 1868.  And, appear to have been both dealers and makers.  Some of their instruments were made by Thibouville.  They were based in both Paris and Lille.  

Antique Musical Instruments

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Kenton Scott

Expertise

Please note: My area is BRASS instruments, not other wind, string or percussion instruments. I will provide information on antique, obscure and out of production BRASS instruments. 1) Please don't ask for evaluations, I'll not provide them on this site. 2) I am often asked very similar questions, so I'd invite you to first check on Horn-u-Copia.net. Much of the information I have garnered about this topic, I have posted on this WEB site.

Experience

I perform in several historical bands, have informally researched the area, repair brass instruments, and operate a Forum dedicated to the topic at http://horn-u-copia.net

Education/Credentials
B.S. Ed, M.S.

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