The “Ex Royal Artillery” Double Bass by John Frederick Lott Jnr. circa 1840
This is without doubt an exceptional example of the work of John Fredrick Lott Jnr. who is recognised as one of the greatest, if not the greatest of all English makers.
The instrument was formerly the property of the Royal Artillery and appears to have been in their ownership since 1858. We know this because the back of the peg box bears the brand R.A. BAND 3 1858 and the back button bears the brand RAB 111.
Although the quest for first hand records and archive material hasn't proved as successful as one would have hoped, it has established a fair amount of useful information that can be used as a foundation for further research. What is without doubt, is the fact that this is an instrument of great historical significance and provenance.
English bass making really doesn't come any better than this particularly fine instrument by John Frederick Lott Junior.
Stats:
LOB (length of back) - 113.7cm (44.76in)
Width across upper bouts - 51.8cm (20.46in)
Width across middle bouts - 38.2cm (15.10in)
Width across lower bouts - 69.1cm (27.20in)
Depth of lower ribs inc both plates - 24.3cm (9.53in)
Body Stop - 62.5cm (24.65in)
String length - 106.7cm (42.00in)