09-27-2012, 12:12 AM
That is definitely a mouthpiece for several reasons.
1. Roman brass instruments had detachable mouthpieces, and if look at the Cornu/Buccina, you will notice there is no mouthpiece on the instrument.
2. You cannot play a brass instrument without a mouthpiece, it almost impossible.
3. A Roman trumpet mouthpiece was on average 6-7inches in length. If the iconography is in perspective and accurate, it is the right length.
4. The most important clue is the shape. At the top you have a 'V' shaped end, which is called the 'Cup'. That is what he would 'blow' into. At the bottom end it is straight. Look at the bottom end of the mouthpiece, with lead-pipe of the Cornu/Buccina and you will find that the opening is is very similar in diameter. The mouthpiece slightly larger in order for it to fit over the lead-pipe.
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/5131/...uscopy.jpg
This image may make it slightly clearer.
This the Gladwin road mouthpiece at the museum in Colchester
![[Image: ar003022.jpg]](http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w259/falcons1988/ar003022.jpg)
1. Roman brass instruments had detachable mouthpieces, and if look at the Cornu/Buccina, you will notice there is no mouthpiece on the instrument.
2. You cannot play a brass instrument without a mouthpiece, it almost impossible.
3. A Roman trumpet mouthpiece was on average 6-7inches in length. If the iconography is in perspective and accurate, it is the right length.
4. The most important clue is the shape. At the top you have a 'V' shaped end, which is called the 'Cup'. That is what he would 'blow' into. At the bottom end it is straight. Look at the bottom end of the mouthpiece, with lead-pipe of the Cornu/Buccina and you will find that the opening is is very similar in diameter. The mouthpiece slightly larger in order for it to fit over the lead-pipe.
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/5131/...uscopy.jpg
This image may make it slightly clearer.
This the Gladwin road mouthpiece at the museum in Colchester
Peter
