Baritone
Rare 1899 J. Higham Baritone — Bluetooth Speaker Sculpture
Manufactured by the J. Higham Company, Manchester, England
Circa 1899 • Extremely Rare
This extraordinary sculpture begins with a remarkable piece of musical history: an original baritone manufactured by the J. Higham Company of Manchester, England, circa 1899.
Joseph Higham established his instrument-making workshop in Manchester in 1842. The company supplied musical instruments to the British Army and Royal Navy, as well as customers around the world. By 1893, the firm advertised that it had produced more than 46,000 instruments, and its Manchester workshop employed more than 90 craftsmen during the late 19th century.
A Century of History, Preserved
One of the most captivating features of this baritone is its original, naturally aged patina. Rather than stripping away more than a century of history, I chose to preserve it exactly as it was found. The patina represents approximately 126 years of aging, wear, and character—leaving you to wonder about the musicians who played it, the people who owned it, and the places around the world where it may have traveled.
To preserve this historic finish while protecting it for the future, the instrument has been carefully sealed with four coats of clear protective lacquer.
Copper Meets Musical History
The entire copper base has been carefully wrapped around the instrument, allowing the original baritone to remain intact while transforming it into a dramatic sculptural work of art. Intricate copper spirals have been meticulously positioned and securely attached, creating a striking industrial, steampunk-inspired appearance while complementing the curves and craftsmanship of the antique instrument.
And It Plays Music!
Adding another unexpected dimension, this sculpture is also a Bluetooth speaker.
The speaker is discreetly mounted inside a leather cup within the bell, beneath the large copper spiral. The result is surprisingly powerful, rich sound that turns this one-of-a-kind sculpture into both an artistic statement and a functional conversation piece.
This is far more than a sculpture—it is a piece of musical history transformed into functional art.
With its rarity, original 19th-century character, dramatic copper design, and hidden Bluetooth technology, this creation is truly a showstopper—the kind of piece that commands attention and becomes the centerpiece of any collection, home, office, or entertainment space.
Price - $2650 Delivered anywhere in the United States. If you are shipping throughout the world, please contact us for an exact quote.