Saturday, September 28, 2013

Mastery of Design: A French Speaking Trumpet, 1738



The Victoria & Albert Museum



A Speaking Trumpet is, really, just a megaphone. But, somehow the word, “megaphone” doesn’t do this object of engraved brass justice. It bears the monogram” SMA,” ensigned with a coronet and a crest suggesting ducal ownership.

The trumpet is signed by French metalworker Jacques Vincent Fecit, 1738. Adorned towards the larger end with three broad bands of foliage, the middle band includes the monogram and crest (depicting a windmill). These are enclosed in frames supported respectively by two lions and two dogs.



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