The Reading Aulos

[2] The top half features a prominent pear-shaped bulb which following water-damage has split revealing the make-up of the wooden core and the bronze cladding.

[2] The lower half contains most of the holes used for playing the instrument and features further silver foil decoration (atop the bronze cladding); the end terminates in a similar bell-shaped form as the top.

[2] Unlike other auloi, the Reading Aulos's bronze cladding appears to be the method for holding the sections securely together rather than the more common use of spigot-and-socket joints.

[2] As was also the case with the museum's acquisition of the Etruscan amphora showing Troilos, it was considered an undervalued item – its original clumsy restoration is believed to have been the primary reason for this.

Dr J G Landels, an expert in ancient music and a member of the University of Reading’s Department of Classics, dated the instrument to no earlier than the 4th century BC, and believed it to be most likely from Asia Minor.