A great historical brass lacquered speaking trumpet with fine engraving and decorative detail. The markings indicate this was handed down through multiple ship captains and carried on many ships. The center is engraved with a large monogram, "G.A." surrounded by olive branches with ribbon motif around which are engraved likely ports of call on the left: Bogota, Pisco, Madras, Tag’e and on the other side what are likely additional ship names. Below this is another smaller pair of initials, "C.F."
In and around the central engraving there are the names of 14 vessels with dates throughout the piece. Engraved in a variety of font styles each which likely represented the fashion of the day or preference of the captain, this is a unique and personal artifact of seafaring life.
Vessel Names
CECILE, 1825
ATALANTE, 1827
MANLIUS, 1829
TOURVILLE, 1831
PHENIX, DORADE, MARIE AIGLE, 1840
GANGE, 1861
ARAL. HAMELINE, 1865
ECLAIR, 1866
ANGE MARIE, 1868
VILLE DE MALAGA, date unclear
VILLE DE CADIX, 1871
VILLE DE LISBONNE, 1872