Cryptic crossword clue
Instrument next to piece of glass containing hard protective covering 10

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word CELLOPHANE

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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "protective covering" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case protective covering = cellophane.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does CELLOPHANE mean?

CELLOPHANE noun
  1. Any of a variety of transparent plastic films, especially one made of processed cellulose.
CELLOPHANE verb
  1. To wrap or package in cellophane.

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