Late Civil War to Early Indian War Military Bugle with Original Cord

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Late Civil War to Early Indian War Military Bugle with Original Cord – This brass, somewhat diminutive, double-twist bugle dates to the latter period of the Civil War into the early Indian War period. During the mid-19^th century, machinists and instrument makers did not have the technical capability to extrude a single metallic pipe; therefore, pre-Civil War, Civil War and early Indian War instruments, to include bugles, were made from large sheets of copper and brass, by hammering the sheet over a form, then soldering cut, dovetailed seams together to form the tubing of the instrument. Later instruments, manufactured via the extrusion of piping, could be pieced together and exhibit non-dovetailed seams. Visible on this Civil War to Indian War bugle is the saw-tooth like, soldered dovetailing exhibited in mid-19^th century brass and copper instruments. This example was not manufactured with a so-called “floating garland” or bell reinforcement often seen in earlier bugles. Some research indicates that these smaller size bugles may have been used primarily by mounted buglers. The mouthpiece on this example is the typical Civil War style, many of which have been excavated by relic hunters on Civil War battlefields and campsites. Still wrapped around the tubing of the bugle is its original, red, worsted wool cord, possibly indicative of mounted artillery use. The bugle remains in overall very good condition, with some “dings”, incurred during the period field use, to the bell.

Measurements: Length – 11.5”; Bell diameter – 4.5”