Acquired from Silva, Boston.

Guillame Triebert, and his sons Frédéric and Charles-Louis, were prominent makers of oboes in 19th century France. They introduced the first mechanized oboe, dubbed Triebert system 3, in 1840, and in 1843 they developed the model in our collection, called Triebert system 4. Their oboe designs extended the range of the instrument, improved intonation, and stabilized the timbre by reversing the layout of the keys and mechanisms, among other modifications. System 4 was a sort of turning point, as system 3 was still classified by Triebert among the “ancient” instruments; its design was rather simplistic and cheap, it was used more by students than professional performers. System 4 was sometimes called the “conservatory” model, and, most notably, added a new double key for Eb combined with a low b to the system 3 design. This modification, though small, greatly improved the ability and range of the instrument as we know it today.

The “Exposition Universelle of Paris” as listed on the bell of the instrument refers to a world’s fair held in Paris in 1900. This was the last and largest in a series of five fairs held in Paris in the 19th century. The goal was to display and celebrate the world’s achievements of the 1800s at the turn of the century. This instrument was likely shown at the event.