A five-keyed C clarinet by the English maker Zenas Trivett PURDAY (1792-1866).  He was the son of Thomas PURDAY (1765-1838) of Purday & Button, a music publishing house for mainly sacred vocal music. Zenas Trivett Purday had two brothers: a rival publisher and instrument maker Thomas Edward PURDAY (1971-1873) and composer Charles Henry PURDAY (1799-1885). Zenas Trivett Purday had worked at Goulding & Co before becoming successor to William HODSOLL (45, High Holborn, London). He worked at that address from 1830 selling music as well as musical instruments. The firm was sold to Pottick and Simpson in 1860.

This clarinet therefore dates back from that time: 1830-1860. It is made from Boxwood , with brass keys. All the parts except the mouthpiece bears the marking Z.T. PURDAY/ LONDON.  On the bell, the stamp reads ‘Z.T. PURDAY/N°45/HIGH/HOLBORN/LONDON/C.