Auguste Henri Rott (<1868)

This is a Saxhorn in C crafted by the prominent Prague-based manufacturer Auguste Henri Rott. The exact nomenclature of this instrument presents a classic organological puzzle, as makers from this era frequently utilized vastly different names for nearly identical designs; depending on the catalog, it could be classified as an Alto Horn in C, a Bassflügelhorn, a Contralto Horn, a Tenor Horn, or even a Baritone. The engraving on the horn specifically reads 'Auguste Henri Rott', adding to the fascinating web of confusing names and alternate spellings associated with this maker—a subject explored in deeper detail within 'The Makers' section on this website.

Ultimately, it was the highly unusual and striking placement of the rotary valves that caught my eye and convinced me to add this unique piece to my collection. Regarding its current preservation, the instrument shows its age: the rotary valves are in poor mechanical shape and the tuning slides are completely frozen. However, despite these significant physical constraints, the horn remains remarkably resilient and is still fully capable of producing a beautifully full and sonorous sound.