The Probert Encyclopaedia of Music

OPHICLEIDE

The ophicleide was a brass wind instrument, now replaced by the brass tuba, developed about the beginning of the 19th century from an ancient wind instrument called the serpent. It had a bell bottom, conical tube, and cupped mouthpiece, and usually contained eleven keys. Alto and double- bass forms of the instrument were constructed: but it was usually set in C, and had its music written in the bass clef.
Research Ophicleide