Ever seen a flicorno before? We haven’t! This really special combined B-flat & F flicorno is one of a kind! Two flicornos in one!

A flicorno is Italian and can be described as a variety of saxhorn and flugelhorn used in military bands. This particular one was made by the Ferdinando ROTH (1815-1898) workshop. After his death, his grand-nephews Amedeo & Mario BOTTALI carried on the business, using his name. They made this instrument.

This flicorno is even more rare and unique since it features the Parma-based inventor, Augusto Contini’s patent. His 7 November 1911 patent (see photos) is for the “Sistema sintonico Contini, ossia modificazioni al meccanismo degli strumenti di ottone a bocchino cilindrico (trombe,corni, tromboni ecc.)” This roughly translates as “Contini tuning system, i.e. modifications to the mechanism of brass instruments with cylindrical mouthpieces (trumpets, horns, trombones, etc.)”

Basically, this flicorno has four rotary valves with touch pieces. Three valves work normally, but the fourth touch piece moves two valves at the same time. This makes it possible to switch from B-flat to F tuning. So, as a result, you get four touch pieces and five valves! Amazing!

This is an out-of-the-ordinary item that has found a new home!