Guichard (<1855)

This is an exceptionally rare Ophicleide in B♭, crafted by the historic pioneer Guichard, Breveté à Paris. Pinpointing the exact date of manufacture requires a look into French corporate history: although the founder sold the company in 1845, historical evidence indicates that the highly respected 'Guichard' name and branding continued to be utilized by the workshop until as late as 1855. This places the production window for this instrument most likely prior to 1855.

When this piece entered my collection, it was in a heavily compromised structural state, suffering from numerous cracks, some of which split completely through the brass tubing. Following extensive and delicate conservation repairs to seal these breaches and restore internal pressure, the vintage instrument has been successfully revived and is fully playable once again.