A loophonium Liverpool, circa 1960

the instrument comprising the major section of a silver-plated euphonium with three Perinet valves, the horn replaced by a lavatory pan (toilet), of white glazed pottery painted with flowers, foliage and scrolls, the wooden seat in the form of a lyre with three 'strings' painted a dull gold colour



the lavatory with its original label as selected for the Design Centre, London

This instrument, also known as a harpic-phone, was devised by the humourist, broadcaster and flautist Fritz Spiegl.  It was designed for use in the April Fools' Concerts which were staged in Liverpool from 1952 for some twenty five years by members of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. It is illustrated in Spiegl's book Music through the Looking Glass being played by the author, p. 144.  A copy of the book is sold with this lot.

on wooden base with castors