NAM.1966-01-5-1

Kent key bugle, used by 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot, reputedly at the Battle of Waterloo, 1815 (c) Copper; single loop tube with brass mounts and mouthpiece socket with key shank (mouthpiece missing); reinforced bell edge, inscribed with maker’s name, J Cowlan; six brass keys. This was a band instrument, rather than something used by a corps of drums. Sometimes referred to as the ‘keyed bugle’ or the ‘Kent Bugle’ after the Duke of Kent. This model of instrument was patented in 1810 by Joseph Halliday, a Bandmaster of the Cavan Militia. These types of instruments were used into the 1840s until replaced by valve instruments.

Waterloo, Battle of, 1815 (Napoleonic Wars, Waterloo 1815)