The Web address of this page is http://euchmi.ed.ac.uk/am/gdnj.html
This web page lists known and reported brass instruments by F. Besson (London) and Besson & Co as a service to scholars, and owners of London Besson instruments. The information can help with dating instruments and identifying models of instrument. The list supplements existing published information with data which would quickly become incomplete in printed form. The instruments listed are in one of the following categories:
Wherever possible one of the authors (Arnold Myers or Niles Eldredge) has examined the item, but in other cases the information has come from the published catalogues, check-lists and websites of museums or from personal communications. The authors welcome comments, corrections and further information, e-mail: a.myers[at]ed.ac.uk
This list contains information on all known brass instruments made in the Besson factory in London before 1900 - some of them extant, some lost long ago, and some reported in living memory but not now located.
The instruments are presented in order of serial number (which we believe to be chronological) or date. Some of the data about technical details and inscriptions has been recorded at first hand, and some is taken from correspondence or publications. Since the data has been obtained from various sources, the amount of information on each instrument varies. In particular, the inscriptions are recorded to differing levels of detail by different cataloguers and as a result descriptions of the inscriptions are not entirely uniform. A full entry includes:
Return to Galpin Society Reference and Data Material
Return to the Galpin Society welcome page
Preface
Contents
| Preface |
| Natural Instruments |
| Slide Instruments |
| Valve Instruments |
| References |
NATURAL INSTRUMENTS
{Not numbered} Clairon chasseur in B♭ - A.
Stamped with monogram FB / “F. BESSON / LONDON ”
Probably made in the period 1885 (when the FR monogram was discontinued) to 1895 (when the London name changed to “Besson & Co)”.
[ W. Grice; Museum of Army Music, Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, London, 126 ]
{Not numbered} signal trumpet in E♭, similar to 'Cent Gardes', plated
Stamped on bell with monogram / “F. BESSON / LONDON”.
[ Wilhelm Bernoulli; Historisches Museum Basel 1980.2495. ]
{Not numbered} signal trumpet in E♭, plated
Stamped on bell with monogram / “F. BESSON / 198. / EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”.
[ Wilhelm Bernoulli; Historisches Museum Basel 1980.2513. ]
{Not numbered} 2-ft post horn
Stamped on bell “F. BESSON / LONDON” / monogram FB.
[ Franz Streitwieser; Musica Kremsmünster 124 ]
{895} Natural trumpet
Stamped with monogram FB / “F. BESSON / LONDON ”; note that this natural trumpet, tightly wound, with open turns, is 31.5 inches long.
Probably made in the period 1885 (when the FR monogram was discontinued) to 1895 (when the London name changed to “Besson & Co)”.
[ Private collection ]
“895” on receiver is not in the standard run of serial numbers.
SLIDE INSTRUMENTS
{Not numbered} B♭ contrabass trombone [or slide tuba]
Stamped on bell with monogram / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE 198. / EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”.
[ R.V. Marriner, Keighley; Bradford Art Galleries and Museums 8692.1(KM) ]
{Not numbered} Slide trumpet in F etc; silver-plated
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / LOUIS SCHREIBER / Sole Agent / U. STATES”.
Probably 1872-1880.
[ Private Collection, France ]
{7} Slide trumpet in F etc; silver-plated
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / =
monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star.
Probably 1872-1880.
[ Crispian Steele-Perkins; Private Collection, U.S.A. ]
The earliest surviving numbered slide instrument stamped “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{Not numbered} Slide trumpet in F etc; silver-plated, expansion spring model
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star.
Circa 1887.
[ John Webb; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 468 ]
{Not numbered} Trombone
Inscribed on a small brass shield applied to bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star.
Circa 1887.
[ National Music Museum, University of South Dakota, Vermillion ]
{264} Tenor trombone in C.
Stamped on bell within a raised wreath with monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{447} Tenor trombone
Stamped on bell within a raised wreath with monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{634} G bass trombone
Stamped on bell with monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”.
Probably 1874.
[ Philip E. Redfern; Birmingham Conservatoire 7.9 ]
{706} Trombone
According to the British Bandsman 16 Jun 1973, sold February 1875 to Haydock Band.
{708} Trombone
According to the British Bandsman 16 Jun 1973, sold February 1875 to Haydock Band.
{722} Trombone
According to the British Bandsman 16 Jun 1973, sold 19 May 1875 to Mossley Band.
{753} Trombone
According to the British Bandsman 16 Jun 1973, sold 24 Apr 1875 to Rushworth Band.
{789} E♭ alto trombone
Stamped on bell “?? MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram / “F. BESSON / BREVETE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on slide and mouthpipe “789”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone mi♭ Alto à coulisse Classe 2”; entered in stock 19 Mar 1879 and sold to “Royal Albert Asylum”; it was numbered no later than 23 Sep 1875.
[ Adam Carse; Horniman Museum 14.5.47/85 ]
{983} B♭ tenor trombone
Stamped on bell “?? MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram / “F. BESSON / BREVETEE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on slide “983”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Si♭ à coulisse / Classe 2”; entered in stock 8 Feb 1878 and sold to “R. Binses” (?); returned and re-entered in stock 19 Sep 1878 and sold to “T. Milner”.
it was numbered no later than 4 Aug 1877.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{1074} B♭ tenor trombone
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone si♭ à coul. / argenté gravé classe 5”;
entered in stock 19 Apr 1879; Sydney Exposition; returned and re-entered in stock 6 Jun 1883 and sold to “Otley Co Engineers Vol.”.
it was numbered no later than 23 Nov 1878.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{??00} B♭ tenor trombone
Engraved on bell with stag's head / “ACQUIRIT QUI TUETUR” in banner, and stamped below “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / FR monogram / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ/ / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star;
stamped with serial number on bell section at joint, only digits “00” legible.
1879-85.
[ John Webb; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 517 ]
{2} B♭+G tenor slide trombone with one valve
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Baby Trombone argenté gravé classe 3 accede Paris”; presented as a prize 25 Aug 1881 to “Eisteddfod concours”.
[ National Museum Wales, Museum of Welsh Life, St Fagans, F72.97.1 ]
{1563} Tenor trombone
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone SI♭ a Coulisse Classe 2”; entered in stock 25 Sep 1883 and sold to “G. Jackson”; it was numbered no later than 3 Sep 1883.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
The lowest-numbered surviving slide instrument stamped “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{1673} G bass trombone with single tuning-slide in neck piece.
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Sol à coul. Classe 1”; entered in stock 15 mai 1884 and sold to “Hoggett and Son Darlington”; it was part of a batch of 6 (1672-7) and was numbered no later than 8 May 1884.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2023/Aug/07 19:30 BST ]
The highest-numbered surviving slide instrument stamped “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{Not numbered} B♭ + G trombone
Stamped on bell “38 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETEÉ / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star.
Probably 1885.
[ Boston Museum of Fine Arts 17.2010 ]
The second digit is not clearly legible in “38 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{2140} Tenor trombone.
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “CARL FISCHER / 6 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”; on inner slide section "F. BESSON / LONDON / 2140"; on bell section at joint and on outer slide section "2140".
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Si♭ à coul Cl 1”; entered in stock 7 Oct 1886 and sold to “Fisher” [sic]; it was part of a batch of 12 (2138-2149) and was numbered no later than 4 Aug 1886.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
The lowest-numbered surviving slide instrument stamped “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{2288} Tenor trombone.
[ Gardiner Houlgate auction 18.6.15 lot 450 ]
{2377} G bass trombone, silver-plated.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Sol à Coul argenté Cl.1”; entered in stock 4 Sep 1887 and sold to “Shaw B.B.”; it was numbered no later than 19 Jul 1887.
[ Present location not known ]
{2379} Tenor trombone, silver-plated, cranked tube between main slide and tuning-slide.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Si♭ à Coul / large pavillon Cl.2”; entered in stock 19 Jul 1887 and sold to “Grossman”; it was numbered no later than 19 Jul 1887.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2011/Nov/23 23:12:03 GMT ]
{2441} Tenor trombone.
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 2 Oct 1887.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2015/Nov/14 14:50:13 GMT ]
{2499} Tenor trombone.
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / ... / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Si♭ à Coul Cl 3”; entered in stock 5 Mar 1888 and sold to “J.M. Combie 2nd King' Ligh. Inf.”; it was part of a batch of 6 (2497-2502) and was numbered no later than 5 Mar 1888.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2008/Dec/05 21:25:5 GMT ]
{2595} Tenor trombone.
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / ... / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on both sections at joint “2595”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Si♭ à coul / arg Cl 1”; entered in stock 25 Jul 1888 and sold to “Shelley B.B.Fisher”; returned, entered in stock and sold to “Mr Geldart” it was numbered no later than21 Jun 1888.
[ Private collection, Iceland ]
{2707} Tenor trombone.
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “ENGLAND / CARL FISCHER / 6 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Tromb si♭ Cl 1”; entered in stock 26 Jan 1889 and sold to “Fischer”; it was numbered no later than 25 Jan 1889.
[ Private Collection ]
{2726} Tenor trombone.
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / ... / “F. BESSON / ... / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone SI♭ a coul Cl 1”; entered in stock 4 Jun 1889 and sold to “E.F. Wilson”; re-entered in stock 23 Nov 1890 and sold to “Sibsey BB”; it was numbered no later than 23 Feb 1889.
[ Church Army in Australia ]
The latest surviving slide instrument stamped “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{2985} Tenor trombone.
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “ENGLAND / CARL FISCHER / 6 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Si♭ large Cl 1”; entered in stock 28 Nov 1889 and sold to “Fischer”; it was numbered no later than 28 Nov 1889.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
The highest-numbered surviving slide instrument stamped “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{3028} Tenor trombone.
Stamped on bell “... / Prototype / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone SI♭ a Coul Cl 1”; entered in stock 5 Feb 1890 and sold to “Penrhyn B.B.”; it was numbered no later than 11 Jan 1890.
[ Private Collection ]
{3284} G bass trombone.
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone en Sol Cl 1”; entered in stock 15 Dec 1890 and sold to “Weardale BB”; it was part of a batch of 6 (3282-3287) and was numbered no later than 25 Nov 1890.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2008/Sep/27 15:45:51 BST ]
{3518} Tenor trombone.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone SI♭ a Coulisse Cl. 2”; entered in stock 23 Oct 1891 and sold to “Woehrier B.B.”; it was numbered no later than 2 Oct 1891.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{3570} B♭ tenor trombone.
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / “... / ``Prototype'' / ...” on bell section at joint and on outer slide section “3570”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Si♭ à Coul Cl 1”; entered in stock 15 Mar 1892 and sold to “H. Wilson”; it was numbered no later than 10 Dec 1891.
[ Private Collection ]
{3576} B♭ tenor trombone.
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on bell section at joint and on outer slide section “3576”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Si♭ à Coul Cl 1”; entered in stock 18 Dec 1891 and sold to “Langley Village B.B.”; it was numbered no later than 16 Dec 1891.
[ Private Collection ]
{3598} Tenor trombone.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Si♭ a Coul argenté Cl 1”; entered in stock 28 Jan 1892 and sold to “Chorley Art Vols.”; it was numbered no later than 28 Jan 1892.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{3731} B♭ tenor trombone
Stamped on mouthpiece receiver “F. BESSON / LONDON / 3731”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Si♭ a Coul Cl 3”; entered in stock 25 Jun 1892 and sold to “St Mary's B.B.”; it was numbered no later than 25 Jun 1892.
[ with Hawkes bell; Gustav Holst; Imogen Holst; donated 1934 to Royal College of Music RCM 220 ]
{3777} G bass trombone
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on inner slide section “F. BESSON / LONDON / 3777”; on bell section at joint and on outer slide section “3777”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone en Sol Cl.1”; entered in stock 30 Aug 1892 and sold to “H. Wilson”; it was numbered no later than 28 Jun 1892.
[ McTear's auction, Glasgow, 20.5.21 lot 1122 ]
The lowest-numbered surviving slide instrument stamped “``Prototype''”
The lowest-numbered surviving slide instrument stamped “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{3950} Tenor trombone, cranked bell pipe adjacent to shoulder.
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “ENGLAND / CARL FISCHER / 6 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Si♭ Cl 1”; entered in stock 12 Apr 1893 and sold to “Fischer” in a batch of 9 (3947-55); it was numbered no later than 12 Apr 1893.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{3828} G bass trombone
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on slide section “F. BESSON / LONDON / 3828”; on bell section at joint “3828”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone en Sol Cl 1.”; entered in stock 30 Nov 1892 and sold to “Whalley Billington BB”; it was numbered no later than 20 Sep 1892.
[ Billington and Whalley Brass Band; Stonyhurst College; now private collection, Britain ]
{3894} B♭ tenor trombone
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “ENGLAND / C. FISCHER / 6 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Si♭ / argenté”; entered in stock 26 Apr 1893 and sold to “Chicago exp.”; it was numbered no later than 9 Jan 1893.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (6240) ]
{3991} G bass trombone
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone en Sol argenté Cl 1.”; entered in stock 8 Jul 1893 and sold to “Banks B.B.”; batch of 6 (3986-91) numbered no later than 31 May 1893.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2013/Apr/27 09:08:28 PDT ]
{4040} B♭ tenor trombone
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Si♭ à Coul / Argenté Cl 1”; entered in stock 20 Sep 1893 and sold to “Glodwick B.B.”; it was numbered no later than 27 Jul 1893.
[ Private collection ]
{4378} B♭ tenor trombone
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Si♭ à Coul Cl 2”; entered in stock 9 Nov 1894 and sold to “Chester Le Street Church Comp. B.”; it was numbered no later than 9 Nov 1894.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2005/Dec/12 14:54:11 GMT ]
{4470} B♭ tenor trombone
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” ... / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Trombone Si♭ à coul Cl 1 / Argenté”; entered in stock 19 Apr 1895 and sold to “Nethley BB”; it was numbered no later than 14 Feb 1895.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{4542} B♭ tenor trombone
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO / BORE” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on inner slide section “F. BESSON / LONDON / 4542”; on bell section at joint and on outer slide section “4542”.
Probably 1895.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
The lowest-numbered surviving slide instrument stamped “CHICAGO BORE”
{4913} B♭ tenor trombone, slide only
Stamped on inner and outer slides “4913”.
Probably 1896.
[ Anderson & Garland, Newcastle upon Tyne, auction 2.11.23 lot 730 ;
Buy-it-now on eBay 2023/Nov/14 ]
{5208} G bass trombone
Probably 1897.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{5242} B♭ tenor trombone, bell only
Stamped on bell “CLASS / A” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; stamped on bell section at joint “5242”.
Probably 1897.
[ Anderson & Garland, Newcastle upon Tyne, auction 2.11.23 lot 730 ;
Buy-it-now on eBay 2023/Nov/14 ]
The lowest-numbered surviving slide instrument stamped “BESSON & CO”
{5245} B♭ tenor trombone
Probably 1897.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{5261} Tenor trombone
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO / BORE” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “ENGLAND / CARL FISCHER / 6 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”; on inner slide section “F. BESSON / BREVETES / 5261”.
Probably 1897.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
The highest-numbered surviving London slide instrument stamped “F. BESSON”
{5304} B♭ tenor trombone; silver-plated.
Probably 1898.
[ Present location not known ]
{5363} B♭ tenor trombone
Stamped on bell “37 VR 97 / CLASS / A” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star.
Probably 1897.
[ not located ]
VALVED INSTRUMENTS
{Not numbered} E♭ soprano flugelhorn
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner and in applied wreath monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”. Also inscribed, nearer bell rim “PRESENTED TO MR JOHN CASS / by the Bandsmen & a few friends / connected with the / STOCKTON MALLEABLE AND RAIL MILL WORKS / as a token of esteem & respect / EASTER.1873”. The last line, the date, has been partially obliterated
Stamped on valve cases, stems, top and bottom caps “1”, “2”, “3”.
Probably 1873.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (3246) ]
{1554} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell with monogram / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on side of valve casings, stems and top and bottom caps “7”, “8”, “9”; on 2nd valve casing “17” and “BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ”, and “1554”.
1868 or earlier, probably c 1861.
[ Sam Binns, Keighley; Bradford Art Galleries and Museums 8713(1372).1(KM) ]
{2256} B♭ echo cornet
Stamped on bell with monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on side of valve casings, stems and top and bottom caps “7”, “8”, “9”; on 2nd valve casing “BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ”, and “2256”.
1868 or earlier, probably c 1861.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{3410} Cornet, dual address
Stamped on bell with monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETEE; / 198. EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” and
“7 RUE DES / 3 COURONNES / PARIS.”; on the 2nd valve casing “BESSON” / crown / “BREVETE / 3410”.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2013/Jan/03 12:08:00 GMT ]
{3754} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell with owner's monogram / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETTÉE / 198. EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on side of valve casings, stems and top and bottom caps “34”, “35”, “36”; on 2nd valve casing also “BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ” in an ellipse, and “3754”.
1868 or earlier, probably c 1863.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{4172} Echo cornet
Stamped on bell with monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ”, and “4172”.
1868 or earlier, probably c 1864.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2009/Feb/27 20:15:00 GMT ]
{4527} B♭ cornet; Md fr.(#2)
Stamped on bell with monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ”, and “4527”.
1868 or earlier, probably c 1864.
[ Private collection , U.S.A. ].
{4810} Cornet
Stamped on bell “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”
1868 or earlier, probably c 1864.
[ Private collection , Finland ].
{5369} E♭ tenor horn
Stamped on bell within applied wreath, monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ”, then “5369”.
1868 or earlier, probably c 1864.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2012/Jun/09 19:55:12 BST ]
{5413} B♭ cornet; “Desideratum” model
Stamped on bell “... MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ”, and “5413”.
1868 or earlier, probably c 1865.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{5635} B♭ cornet; “Périnet” model
1868 or earlier, probably c 1866.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{6600} E♭ tenor horn
Stamped on bell with monogram FR / “BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ” within ellipse, and “6600”.
1868 or earlier, probably c 1866.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (5885) ]
{6675} E♭ soprano cornet
Stamped on bell with monogram FR / “BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ” within ellipse, and “6675”.
1868 or earlier, probably c 1866.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{8078} Valve trombone
Stamped on bell with monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ”, and “8078”.
1868 or earlier, probably c 1867.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{8719} B♭ cornet; Modèle française
Stamped on bell with monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉ”, and “8719”.
1868 or earlier, probably c 1867.
[ Private collection ]
{9993} French horn, 3 piston valves
Stamped on bell with monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198. EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on side of valve casings, stems and top and bottom caps “7”, “8”, “9”; on 2nd valve casing “BESSON / BREVETÉ” within ellipse (any mark in the centre of the ellipse worn away), and “9993”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 15 Sep 1869.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (4276) ]
{10043} B♭ cornet; “Desideratum” model; with crest.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Cornet Desideratum argenté 3eme classe pavillon Doré en boite No 1”; entered in stock 3 Dec 1869 and sold to “Oreilly”; and was numbered no later than 15 Sep 1869.
[ Private collection ]
{101x6} Cornet; “Desideratum” model.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 13 Nov 1869.
[ Private collection ]
{10145} C echo cornet.
Stamped on bell with coat of arms / within applied wreath, monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “10145”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Cornet Echo en ut argenté en boite ...” sold to “Richardson” 8 Dec 1869; and was numbered no later than 15 Sep 1869.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2006/Nov/14 20:00:00 GMT ]
{10308} B♭ cornet; “Desideratum” model.
Stamped on bell with coat of arms / within applied wreath, monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “P”, then “F. BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ”, then “10308”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Desideratum Si♭ Argenté”; entered in stock “en échange d'un cuivre” 17 May 1870 and sold to “Porter”; and was numbered no later than 26 Nov 1869.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2006/Nov/14 20:00:00 GMT ]
{10334} B♭ cornet; “Desideratum” model
Stamped on bell with monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “P”, then “F. BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ”, then “10334”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Cornet Argenté gravé 1ère classe”; entered in stock 4 Jul 1870 and sold to “Egypte”; and was numbered no later than 26 Nov 1869.
[ Private collection ]
{10635} B♭ cornet; “Desideratum” model
Stamped on bell with monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / 25” / two medals / “OF / HONOUR"” (without banner); on 2nd valve casing “G”, then “BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ” within ellipse, then “10635”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Cornet collé à clé avec pupre & embre argentés”; entered in stock 22 Jul 1870 and sold to “Ficehurst”; and was numbered no later than 19 Feb 1870.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{10978} B♭ cornet; “Desideratum” model
Stamped on bell with English Royal Crest / “25 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on 2nd valve casing “P”, then “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE”, then “10978”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Desideratum Si♭ argenté en boite”; entered in stock 8 May 1871 and sold to “Smith”; and was numbered no later than 18 Jun 1870.
[ Private collection ]
The lowest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “25 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{11169} Echo cornet, in case
Stamped on bell with English Royal Crest / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on 2nd valve casing with ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETEE”, then “11169 / P”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Cornet Echo Si♭ Argenture simple sans gravure en boite int: violet”; entered in stock 3 Feb 1871 and sold to “Jones”; and was numbered no later than 8 Aug 1870.
[ J.I.R. Dunlop; Museum of Army Music, Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, London, 500 ]
{11221} E♭ soprano cornet
Stamped on bell “25 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “9”, then “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE”, then “11221 / P”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Soprano Argenté classe 2 reversed bell à clé en boite 3ème classe”; entered in stock 21 Dec 1870 and sold to “Bromley”; and was numbered no later than 15 Aug 1870.
[ Private collection ]
{11501} E♭ soprano cornet
Stamped on bell within circle with raised floral design “25” / two circles: one with a man's head with laurel wreath, one just with a laurel wreath] / “HONOUR” / “FR” [monogram] / “F. BESSON / BREVETIE / 198. EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; stamped on second valve casing “F BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETEE.” and “11501”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Soprano Cuivre classe 1 pupitre embre Argenté en boite”; entered in stock 6 Apr 1871 and sold to “J. Shaw”; and was numbered no later than 24 Nov 1870.
[ Utley 46; National Music Museum, University of South Dakota 6812 ]
{11869} B♭ cornet; “Desideratum” model
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Desideratum Si♭ Classe 1”; entered in stock 11 May 1871 and sold to “Frayling”; it was probably part of a batch of 6 (11868-73) and was numbered no later than 31 Mar 1871.
[ not located ]
{11870} B♭ cornet; “Desideratum” model
Stamped on bell above wreath “25 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / and within wreath monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; and below wreath “LOUIS SCHREIBER / SOLE AGENT. U. STATES”;
on 2nd valve casing “8”, then “P” above “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉE” within ellipse, then “11870”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “inconnu”; it was probably part of a batch of 6 (11868-73) and was numbered no later than 31 Mar 1871.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
The lowest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “LOUIS SCHREIBER” or “Louis Schreiber”
{11873} B♭ cornet; “Desideratum” model
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Desideratum Si♭ en boite”; entered in stock 16 May 1871 and sold to “Stafford”; rentré “Desideratum Si♭ (tres bon) avec pup sembre”; entered in stock 29 Jul 1871 and sold to “Fitzgerald”; it was probably part of a batch of 6 (11868-73) and was numbered no later than 31 Mar 1871.
[ not located ]
{12273} B♭ valve trombone; long model
Stamped on bell above wreath “25” / two medals / “HONOUR” / and within wreath monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “... / 12273 / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 26 Jul 1871.
[ John Webb; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 533 ]
{12560} Tuba in F, 5-valve [pre-Barlow] model
Stamped on bell “CLASS / A” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on 3rd valve casing “6” / then “BESSON” / crown / “BREVETE*/” within ellipse, then “12560”;
on 4th valve casing “BESSON & CO.” / five-pointed star / “BREVETE*/” within ellipse, then “4”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the three-valve cluster was numbered no later than 4 Nov 1871. The 4th and 5th valves and the body appear to have been made in 1895 or later using the earlier cluster.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
The lowest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “BESSON & CO”
{12595} B♭ cornet; “Desideratum” model
Stamped on bell with raised royal crest / “25” / two medals / “HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉE” within ellipse and “12595 / P”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “1 Desideratum argté / gravé 3ème Classe”; entered in stock 16 Jan 1872 and sold to “Foster”; it was probably part of a batch of 6 (12595-600) and was numbered no later than 4 Nov 1871.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
The highest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “25 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{13541} B♭ cornet; “Périnet” model
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 18 Jul 1872.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{13546} Pocket tenor horn
Stamped on bell with monogram “FR” / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / LONDON” / “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 18 Jul 1872.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{13632} Cornet, système anglais
With embossed royal coat of arms plaque on bell, then stamped “26 MEDALS / FROM / ALL NATIONS” in oval outline but without ellipse, then within wreath monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198, EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star and, below wreath,
“LOUIS SCHREIBER / Sole Agent / U. STATES”; on 2nd valve casing “5”, then “P” and “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉE” within ellipse, then “13632”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 3 Sep 1872.
[ Private collection, Netherlands ]
The earliest surviving valved instrument stamped “26 MEDALS / FROM / ALL NATIONS”
{13693} Valve trumpet in G etc, long model
Stamped on bell “26 MEDALS / FROM / ALL NATIONS” in oval outline but without ellipse, then monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198, EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “5”, then “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉE” within ellipse, then “13693”; the shank and crooks stamped “G”, “E♮” and “MI♮”, “E♭”, “D”, “D♭”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 3 Sep 1872.
[ Godfrey Kneller; Frank Tomes; Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (4197) ]
{13801} Cornet, système français, no water key
Stamped on bell “26 MEDALS / FROM / ALL NATIONS” in oval outline but without ellipse, then monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198. EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “17”, then “F. BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ” within ellipse, then “13801”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Périnet sans clé” in a batch of 6 (13796-801) entered in stock 11 Sep 1872 and sold to “Oakenshaw”.
and was numbered no later than 11 Sep 1872.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
The latst surviving valved instrument stamped “26 MEDALS / FROM / ALL NATIONS”
{14141} E♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “... / 28 MEDALS OF HONOUR ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Soprano mi♭ à ut boite 1ere Cl. Argté gravé : inscription”; entered in stock 27 Jan 1873 and sold to “Cass”; re-entered in stock 26 Apr 1873 and sold to “Newton”; and was numbered no later than 29 Jan 1873.
[ Private collection ]
The lowest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{14244} Pocket cornet.
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / LONDON”; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” in ellipse / “14244”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Exigü Si♭ argenté. - en boîte orde. pavillon d'oré & emb. d'oré”; a batch of 1 entered in stock and re-entered, sold 8 Aug 1873; and was numbered no later than 18 Feb 1873.
[ Philip Jones; Royal College of Music 858 ]
{14257} Pocket cornet.
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / LONDON”; on side of 2nd valve casing “2” / “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” in ellipse / “14257 / P”.
According and sold to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Cornet Exigü argenté & gravé - en boîte”; entered in stock 11 Mar 1873 and sold to “Shakerleg”; it was part of a batch of 3 (14257-9) and was numbered no later than 28 Feb 1873.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{14259} Pocket cornet
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / LONDON”; on side of 2nd valve casing “8” / “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” in ellipse / “14259 / P”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Exigu Si♭ en boite Embre. dorée 2 tons argté dorée pavillon gravé 2eme. classe”; entered in stock 28 Feb 1873 and sold to “Merrall”; re-entered 13 Mar 1873 and sold to “Richardson”; it was part of a batch of 3 (14257-9) and was numbered no later than 28 Feb 1873.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{14357} C pocket cornet; no inscriptions on bell
Stamped on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE”, all within ellipse, and “14357”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Cornet Pocket en ut”; recorded 1 Jan 1877 as “Modèle”; it was a batch of 1 and was numbered no later than 22 May 1873.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
Unfinished state, so probably intended to be kept in the factory as a model.
{14621} Trumpet in E♭ now converted to F; silverplated
Stamped on bell with royal crest and “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on side of 2nd valve casing “5” / “F. BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ” in ellipse / “14621”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 6 Feb 1874.
[ Private collection, Switzerland ]
{14777} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ” in ellipse and / “14777”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 6 Feb 1874.
[ Private collection ]
{14807} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / LOUIS SCHREIBER / Sole Agent / U. STATES”; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ” / “14807”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 6 Feb 1874.
[ Private collection ]
{14945} B♭ euphonium
Stamped on bell “Louis Schreiber / Sole Agent / U. States” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” / “14945”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 6 Feb 1874.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{15271} B♭ cornet; bell-tuning model
Stamped on bell “... / F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 6 Feb 1874.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2013/Mar/08 00:42:12 GMT ]
{15321} B♭ cornet; “Desideratum” model
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / LOUIS SCHREIBER / Sole Agent / U. STATES”; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” / “15321”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 6 Feb 1874.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{15329} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / LOUIS SCHREIBER / Sole Agent / U. STATES”; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” / “15321”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 6 Feb 1874.
[ Private collection ]
{15335} B♭ cornet; “Desideratum” model
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / LOUIS SCHREIBER / Sole Agent / U. STATES”; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” / “15335”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 6 Feb 1874.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{15583} Euphonium, January 1874 presentation inscription, 28 medals.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 6 Feb 1874.
[ Location not known ]
{15698} E♭ bombardon, 4-valve
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 11 Feb 1874.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2003/Sep/25 08:17:2 PDT ]
{15735} Cornet in B♭
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on 2nd valve casing “P” / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE” within ellipse and “15735”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Désideratum cuivre coul de diap.”; entered in stock 21 Mar 1874 and sold to “Lafleur”; it was part of a batch of 3 (15733-35) and was numbered no later than 17 Feb 1874.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2013/Feb/02 16:52:06 GMT ]
{16094} Cornet in B♭
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / ... / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Désideratum Argenté grave Classe 4 en sac cuir noir.”; entered in stock 17 Jul 1874 and sold to “Clarke Deptford”; it was part of a batch of 36, or smaller batches, (16083-118) and was numbered no later than 20 Feb 1874.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{16584} Euphonium, 4-valve.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 15 Aug 1874.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2002/May/16 ]
{16839} Cornetin B♭
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 25 Aug 1874.
There is no entry in the stock books for cornet 16839; suggesting that the instrument was made for direct export and not entered into stock in London.
[ Fiske Museum, Claremont Colleges B491; Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix, AZ ]
{16951} Euphonium, 3-valve.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 25 Aug 1874.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2005/Nov/13 13:42:06 GMT ]
{17271} Cornet; “Desideratum” model.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Désideratum si♭ argenté à couronne”; entered in stock 26 Apr 1875 and sold to “Ch, Powell”; it was part of a batch of 72 (13266-337) and was numbered no later than 9 Feb 1875.
[ Private collection ]
{17399} Valve trumpet in F with slide for E♭, military model.
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on second valve “11” and “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETEE”, all within ellipse, and “17399 / 11”.
Probably 1875.
[ Private collection, Canada ]
{17799} Flugelhorn in B♭.
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”.
Probably 1875.
[ Private collection, Netherlands ]
{18309} Alto horn
Stamped on bell with monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / “LOUIS SCHREIBER / Sole Agent / U. STATES”).
Probably 1876.
[ Butterfields auction 15.9.98 lot 4553 ]
{18795} Cornet
Stamped on bell “?? MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on second valve “5” and “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETEE”, all within ellipse, and “18795”.
Probably 1876.
[ George Storey (founder member of the first Salvation Army Corps band, in Consett, Co Durham, 1879); private collection, U.K. ]
{18891} Flugelhorn
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “LOUIS SCHREIBER / Sole Agent / U. STATES”; on second valve “14” and “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETEE”, all within ellipse, and “18891 / 11”.
Probably 1876.
[ National Music Museum, University of South Dakota, 422 ]
{18954} B♭ cornet; Étoile modeel
Stamped on bell “... / LOUIS SCHREIBER / Sole Agent / U. STATES”.
Probably 1876.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{19021} Vocal horn [bell-up tenor cor] in F etc
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198.EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”, and inscribed below “Louis Schreiber / Sole Agent / U. States.”; on m.t.s. distal ferrule “E♭”; on 3rd v.t.s. five calibration lines annotated “C”, “D♭”, “D♮”, “E♭”, “E♮”; on valve stems, top and bottom caps and side of casings “4”, “5”, “6”; on 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETEE”, all within ellipse, and “19021 / 10”.
Probably 1876.
[ Frank Tomes; Vichy auction 9.11.19, lot 482 ]
{19233} Tenor horn in F
Stamped on bell “?? MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”.
Probably 1876.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{19301} Cornet
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / ... / “F. BESSON / ... / 198.EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”.
Probably 1876.
[ Auction on eBay best offer 2006/Jan/11 ]
{19381} Euphonium, 4-valve
Stamped on bell “?? MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / ... / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”.
Probably 1876.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2008/Oct/01 17:27:24 BST ]
{19405} Cornet
Probably 1876 or earlier.
[ Recorded secondhand in Rudall Carte stock books vol. 1 p.91: bought 1876; sold 19 Apr 1876 -> 1/24th Regiment. ]
{19433} Cornet in B♭, bell-tuning model
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on shank “433”.
Probably 1876.
[ Cyfarthfa Castle Museum, Merthyr Tydfil, CCM81.991 ]
{19441} Valve trombone, 4-valve
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198.EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star, and inscribed below “Louis Schreiber / Sole Agent / U. States.”; on 3rd valve casing “... / 19441 / ...”; on bell collar at joint “441”.
Probably 1876.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{19662} Vocal horn [bell-up tenor cor] in F etc
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star, and “Louis Schreieer. / Sole Agent. / U. States.” [sic]; on valve stems, side of casings, top and bottom caps “10”, “11”, “12”; on side of 2nd valve casing “10” / ellipse containing [“BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETEE”] / “19662”; on one tenon of each main tuning-slide “62”.
Probably 1876.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (4197) ]
{19854} B♭ cornet; “Desideratum” model
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star, and “Louis Schreiber. / Sole Agent. / U. States.”; on side of 2nd valve casing “BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉE”, and “19854”.
Probably 1876.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{19859} E♭ bass valve trombone
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / “F. BESSON” / monogram FR / “198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”.
Probably 1876.
[ Lancelot Keye; Birmingham Conservatoire 6.7 ]
{19859} Valve trombone
Inscribed “Brevette, 108 Euston Rd, LONDON ”; “J & J Coleman, Carrow Works Norwich”.
Probably 1876.
[ Private collection ]
{19899} B♭ cornet; “New Star” model
Probably 1876.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{20150} Valve trumpet in G etc, long model with crooks
Stamped “F. BESSON / ... / LONDON”.
Probably 1876.
[ Edward H. Tarr collection ]
{20578} Valve trombone
Stamped on bell “?? MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on side of 2nd valve casing “BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉE”, and “20578”.
Probably 1876.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments () ]
{20815} B♭ cornet, bell-tuning model
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on valve casing in ellipse “BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ” and below “20815”.
Probably 1877.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2013/Feb/23 21:27:38 GMT ]
{20917} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on valve casing in ellipse “BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉ” and below “20917”.
Probably 1877.
[ Private collection ]
{21501} Cornet; “Star” model
Stamped on bell “2(8) MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 Euston Road / LONDON” / star; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE / 21501”.
Probably 1877.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{22458} Echo cornet, silver-plated, highly engraved
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on valve casing in ellipse “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” and below “22458”.
Probably 1878.
[ Copenhagen MM F 122 ]
{22506} Echo cornet.
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on valve casing in ellipse “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” and below “22506”.
Probably 1878.
[ John Webb; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 394 ]
{22601} Echo cornet, Presented Jul 1891.
Probably 1878.
[ Private collection ]
{22637} Cornet; “Star” model
Stamped “... / Schreiber / ...”.
Probably 1878.
[ Private collection ]
{22667} Soprano cornet in E♭
Stamped “... / F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / LOUIS SCHREIBER / Sole Agent / U. STATES” / on second valve casing in ellipse “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” and below “22667”.
Probably 1878.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2013/May/25 13:18:09 BST ]
{23264} Pocket cornet
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / Louis Schreiber / Sole Agent / U. States”; on second valve casing in ellipse “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” and below “23264”.
Probably 1878.
[ Fiske Museum, Claremont Colleges B206; Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix, AZ ]
{23425} Echo cornet, silver-plated, highly engraved
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on valve casing in ellipse “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” and below “23425”.
Probably 1878.
[ Private collection, France ]
{23553} Vocal horn [bell-up tenor cor] in F, E, E♭, D, D♭, C and 9-ft B♭.
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198. EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on 2nd valve casing “2”, then “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETEE” within ellipse, then “23553”.
Probably 1878.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
The lowest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{23912} B♭ Flugelhorn
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “Louis Schreiber / Sole Agent / U. States”;
second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE / 23912”.
Probably 1879.
[ Private collection ]
{24143} Cornet
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETEE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / PRESENTED TO / Mr JAMES SAUNDERS / by the Members of the / Kimberly Quadrille Party / as a mark of their respect and esteem / DIAMOND FIELDS. SOUTH AFRICA. / AUGUST 22nd 1879.”; on 2nd valve casing “2 / F BESSON / BREVETEE / 24143”.
Probably 1879.
[ Boosey & Hawkes 710; Horniman Museum 2004.780 ]
{24186} Cornet in B♭
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on 2nd valve casing “32” / “F BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETEE” within ellipse / “24186”.
Probably 1879.
[ Vichy auction 7.4.18 lot 317 ]
{24243} B♭ Cornet
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR / F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / Louis Schreiber / Sole Agent / U. States”.
Probably 1879.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{24354} Cornet
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / ... / “F. BESSON / ...”.
Probably 1879.
[ Private collection ]
{24448} E♭ tenor horn; HP; 3 piston valves; brass
Stamped on bell “2[?] MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / star / Louis Schreiber / Sole Agent / U. States”;
second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETEE” all within ellipse / “24448”; on other side “23”.
Probably 1879.
[ National Music Museum, University of South Dakota 389 ]
{24493} Cornet; “Desideratum” model
Stamped on bell “2[x] xxxxx” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 Euston Road / LONDON” / star; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE / 24493”.
Probably 1879.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{24519} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star.
Probably 1879.
[ Private collection, U.S.A ]
{24556} Cornet; bell-tuning model
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “Jarrett Roberts / Agent”; on second valve “Besson” / crown / “BREVETÉ / 24556”; note crown juxtaposed with star on bell.
Probably 1879.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{25062} C/B♭/A cornet
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 Euston Road / LONDON” / star / “Louis Schreiber / Sole Agent / U. States”.
Probably 1879.
[ Private collection ]
{25214} Baritone
Stamped on bell “... / F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 Euston Road / LONDON”.
Probably 1879.
[ Private collection, U.K. ]
{25452} Echo cornet
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / ... / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 Euston Road / LONDON”.
Probably 1880.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2006/Feb/17 19:33:51 GMT ]
{25512} Cornet
Stamped on bell “... / Louis Schreiber / ...”.
Probably 1880.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{25536} Euphonium, 3 valves;
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 Euston Road / LONDON” / five-poined star / “NSB”; / on second valve “F. BESSON” / five-poined star / “BREVETEE / 25536”.
Probably 1880.
[ [ McTear's auction, Glasgow, 20.5.21 lot 1133 ]
{25781} Cornet; “Star” model
Stamped on bell “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 Euston Road / LONDON” / star / “Louis Schreiber / Sole Agent / U. States”; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE / 25781”.
Probably 1880.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
The highest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “28 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{26187} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; valve casings stamped "19", "20", "21"; stamped on side of 2nd valve casing “BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETEE” within ellipse, and, below, “26187”.
Probably 1880.
[ Christopher Baines; Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (5937) ]
{26237} Baritone
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 Euston Road / LONDON” / star / “Louis Schreiber / Sole Agent / U. States”; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE / 26237”.
Probably 1880.
[ Private collection ]
{26321} Echo cornet
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 Euston Road / LONDON”.
Probably 1880.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2009/Oct/16 20:30:48 BST ]
{26830} Cornet, tuning-bell model
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram / “F. BESSON / BREVETE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / star”; on valve casing “26830”.
Probably 1880.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2002/Dec/08 10:30:00 PST ]
{27036} Cornet, silver
Stamped on the bell “DWJW”, lion passant, leopard's head, “H”, Queen Victoria's head / “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / star / “Brevete / 27036”; on mouthpiece, 1st, 2nd, 3rd valve slides, tuning slide, key of A tuning slide, mouthpipe “DWJW”, Queen Victoria's head, and lion passant; on lead pipe, 2nd valve casing “DWJW”, Queen Victoria's head, lion passant, “H” [1883-84 hallmark].
Probably 1881.
[ Utley 1330; National Music Museum, University of South Dakota 7120 ]
{27302} Cornet
Stamped on the bell “... / F. BESSON / BREVETE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / ....
Probably 1881.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2006/Nov/07 21:00:00 GMT ]
{27312} Cornet
Stamped on bell “? MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; and “Louis Schreiber / Sole Agent / U. States”.
Probably 1881.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{27386} B♭ euphonium
Stamped on bell “... / F. BESSON / ...”.
Probably 1881.
[ Frederick Stearns; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 940 ]
{27489} Cornet.
Probably 1881.
[ Present location not known ]
{27686} Cornet.
Probably 1881.
[ Copenhagen MM 1978-11 ]
{27819} Vocal horn [bell-up tenor cor] in F etc
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ/ 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on valve casings “7”, “8”, “9”; also on 2nd valve casing in ellipse “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉ” and “27819”
Stamped on main tuning-slide “E♭”. All three valve tuning-slides graduated and marked for E♮, E♭, D♮, D♭ and C; to be fully inserted for F.
Probably 1881.
[ Bernard Hague; University of Glasgow Hunterian Museum 112069 ]
{28061} BB♭ bombardon; tall model
Stamped on bell “B. JOWETT / MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”
Stamped on side of 2nd valve casing “5” and “BESSON / BREVETÉ”, and “28061”.
Probably 1881.
[ E.L. Riley; Bradford Art Galleries and Museums h.97/89.1 ]
{28336} B♭ cornet etc
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198, EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”, the “1” of “31” is not clear
Stamped on side of 2nd valve casing “BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ” in ellipse / “28336”; on valve casings and bottom caps “1”, “2”, “3”; no inscriptions on shanks or crook.
Probably 1881.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (2371) ]
{28874} B♭ flugelhorn
Stamped on bell “... / F. BESSON / ...”.
Probably 1882.
[ Frederick Stearns; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 857 ]
{28973} Cornet; bell-tuning model
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “Louis Schreiber / Sole Agent / U. States”; on second valve “Besson / BREVETÉ / 28973”.
Probably 1882.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{29125} B♭ baritone
Stamped on bell “... / F. BESSON / ...”.
Probably 1882.
[ not located ]
{29249} Helicon
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198, EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”, the “31” is not clear; stamped on valve casings “16”, “17”, “18” on 2nd valve casing “BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ” in ellipse / “29249”.
Probably 1882.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2020/Jul/09 14:37:48 BST ]
{29302} Baritone horn
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “Louis Schreiber / Sole Agent / U. States”; on second valve “Besson / BREVETÉ / 29302”.
Probably 1882.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{29318} Tenor horn
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / ... / “F. BESSON / ... / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”.
Probably 1882.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2006/Jan/24 22:32:49 GMT ]
{29420} Echo cornet in C etc
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; inscribed on top and bottom caps and sides of valve casings: 1st valve “4”, 2nd valve “5”, 3rd valve “6”, 4th valve “3”; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETEE”, all within ellipse, / “29420”; inscribed on bit (a) no inscription; shank (b) on ferrule “506”, and on lug “1”; on shank (c) on ferrule “420” and “B♮”, and on lug “1”; shank (d) on ferrule “420” and “A♮”, and on lug “1”; crook (e) on mouthpipe “LA♭”. (Note that “420” on (c) and (d) tallies with instrument serial number “29420”.)
Probably 1882.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (1451) ]
{30271} E♭ bombardon; 3-valve
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198, EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on side of valve casings “1”, “2”, “3” / “BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ” within ellipse / “30271”.
Probably 1883.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (2697) ]
{30319} Echo cornet in B♭
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ...”.
Probably 1883.
[ Present location not known ]
{31830} Flugel in B♭
Stamped on bell ... / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 Euston Road / LONDON”.
Probably 1884.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2009/Jan/15 23:19:16 GMT; Auction on eBay ends 2009/Dec/08 20:22:35 GMT ]
{32523} Echo cornet; brass
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on valve casing in ellipse “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETE” and below “32523”.
Probably 1884.
[ John Webb; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 395 ]
The lowest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “``Prototype''”
{32813} E♭ soprano cornet
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “C. FISCHER / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent. U. States”.
Probably 1884.
[ Franz Streitwieser; Musica Kremsmünster 634 ]
The lowest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “C. FISCHER”
{33xxx} Cornet; presumably colle model.
Probably 1884 or 1885.
[ Private collection ]
{34296} E♭ tenor horn
Stamped on bell “[??] MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / star / Louis Schreiber / Sole Agent / U. States”;
second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETEE” all within ellipse / “34296”; on other side “11”.
Probably 1885.
[ National Music Museum, University of South Dakota 432 ]
The highest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “LOUIS SCHREIBER” or “Louis Schreiber”
{34444} Tenor horn
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / Brevet... / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “ENGLAND / C. FISCHER / 6. 4th AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENTS U- STATES”; on valve casing with ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” and below “34444”.
Probably 1885.
[ National Music Museum, University of South Dakota ]
{34500} E♭ tenor horn
Stamped on bell “3... MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / Brevet... / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “ENGLAND / C. FISCHER / 6. 4th AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENTS U- STATES”; on valve casing with ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” and below “34500”.
Probably 1885.
[ National Music Museum, University of South Dakota ]
The highest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
The highest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped with monogram FR
{34594} French horn, 2 valves
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on first valve “2” / “F. BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉE” in ellipse / “34594”.
The valves probably date from 1885; the bell dates from 1895 or later.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{35708} Cornet
Stamped on bell “... MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; below which a presentation inscription; on second valve “BESSON” / crown / “BREVETÉ” in ellipse / “35708”.
Probably 1886.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{35733} Alto in F/ E♭
Stamped on bell (medals not recorded) / monogram FB(??) / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”.
Probably 1886.
[ Streitwieser Foundation ]
{35835} Cornet; “Star” model
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. Besson / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE / 35835”.
Probably 1886.
[ Private collection ]
The lowest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{36060} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram / “F. Besson / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on second valve “8” / “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” in ellipse / “36060”.
Probably 1886.
[ Private collection ]
{36091} B♭ euphonium
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / ... / “F. Besson / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “...”.
Probably 1886.
[ Private collection, Netherlands ]
{36958} B♭ cornet, “Desideratum” model
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on second valve “35” / “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” in ellipse / “36958”.
Probably 1887.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{37188} C/ B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “H.G. / SUMMERBRIDGE”.
Probably 1887.
[ Franz Streitwieser; Musica Kremsmünster 699 ]
{37216} Euphonium
Stamped on bell “VR” / “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “1837” “1887” / “JUBILEE”.
Probably 1887.
[ Bate Collection, University of Oxford ]
{37262} Cornet; “Desideratum” model.
Probably 1887.
[ Private collection ]
{37411} Trombone, duplex valve and slide model
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. FISCHER / 6 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETE” all within ellipse / “37411”; on bell section at joint “411”.
Probably 1887.
[ National Music Museum, University of South Dakota 445 ]
{37982} Cornet; “Star” model
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE / 37982”.
Probably 1887.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{38130} Cornet; “Star” model
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 Euston Road / LONDON” / star; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE / 38130”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “n/ Etoile”; entered in stock 19 Oct 1888 and sold to “Reami”; it was part of a batch of 12 (38121-32) and was numbered no later than 27 Oct 1887.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{38153} Cornet
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / ... / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 Euston Road / LONDON”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Cornet en ut Argenté”; entered in stock 5 Jan 1888 and sold to “J. Haskell”; it was part of a batch of 4 (38151-4) and was numbered no later than 27 Oct 1887.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2005/Oct/09 21:00:43 BST ]
{38175} B♭ cornet; silver-plated
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on second valve casing with “8”, and below, ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE”, and below, “38175”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], instrument 37175 was “Desideratum argenté”; entered in stock 4 May 1888 and sold to “C. Snowball”; it was part of a batch of 6 (37173-8) and was numbered no later than 27 Oct 1887. There is no entry in the stock books for cornet 38175; however, entries numbered 37173-8 are positioned in the sequence where 38173-5 would be in numerical order, and the entry numbered 37175 probably refers to this instrument
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{38152} C cornet
Stamped on bell within floral engraving: 40 [the last digit looks like “6”, mis-stamped] MEDALS OF HONOUR within banner / monogram FB / F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 [the last digit looks like “3”, mis-stamped] EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / [five-pointed star]
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Cornet en ut”; entered in stock 30 Jun 1888 and sold to “City” re-entered 28 Nov 1889 then sold to “Fischer”; it was part of a batch of 3 (38151-3) and was numbered no later than 15 Oct 1887.
[ Utley; National Music Museum, University of South Dakota 6976 ]
{38372} B♭ tenor horn
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on second valve casing with ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE”, and below, “38372”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 27 Oct 1887.
[ Private collection ]
{38694} E♭ cornet
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Soprano mi♭ Cl 2”; entered in stock 1 Aug 1888 and sold to “Msrs Cruckshand and Co / City”; it was part of a batch of 6 (38689-94) and was numbered no later than 5 Dec 1887.
[ Private collection, U.K. ]
{38936} Cornet
Stamped on bell “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Perinet à Clef”; sent 9 May 1888 to “Glasgow Exp”; returned; entered in stock 28 Jan 1889 and sold to “L. Taylor”; it was part of a batch of 6 (38933-38) and was numbered no later than 16 Feb 1888.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2006/Jan/22 14:50:16 GMT ]
{39636} E♭ bombardon
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / ... / “F. BESSON / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 2 Jun 1888.
[ Private collection ]
{39709} B♭ cornet; modèle Belge
Stamped on bell “... MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on second valve casing with “77”, and below, ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE”, and below, “39709”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Belge Sans Clef”; entered in stock 26 Jun 1888 and sold to “St Patrick B.B.”; it was part of a batch of 12 (39699-710) and was numbered no later than 26 Jun 1888.
[ Private collection ]
{39728} B♭ cornet
Stamped “F. BESSON BREVETTEE / ... / MEDALS OF HONOUR / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / Presented To / Mr William Chalmers / Bandmaster / by / Members of the different Bands / He is Teaching and a few friends / Newmains Sept 1888”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “n/ Etoile argenté”; entered in stock 29 Sep 1888 and sold to “Newmains B.B.”; it was part of a batch of 12 (39723-34) and was numbered no later than 15 Jun 1888.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{40049} Valve trombone
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 Euston Road / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent. U. States”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 20 Sep 1888.
[ Franz Streitwieser; Musica Kremsmünster 583 ]
{40344} “Desideratum” model cornet
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 13 Nov 1888.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{40547} B♭ echo Cornet, silver-plated
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype ''/ 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 6 Dec 1888.
[ Fiske Museum, Claremont Colleges B481; Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix, AZ ]
{41231} C+B♭ cornet; 4 valves
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE / 41231”;
Unique horn: Mod. Fr. with fourth valve to raise pitch to C; unique because is an “ancien” mod. Fr., but otherwise with desideratum porting-unlike HO's French made 4- valve cornet!.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Cornet Ascending”; entered in stock 30 Oct 1889 and sold to “Fischer”; it was part of a batch of 4 (41229-32) and was numbered no later than 4 Feb 1889.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{41576} B♭ cornet; Périnet modèle français
Stamped on the bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on 2nd valve in an ellipse “Brevete” / crown / “Brevete”; below that “41576”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “perinet à clé”; entered in stock 29 Aug 1889 and sold to “Barrow Town Bd”; it was part of a batch of 12 (41569-80) and was numbered no later than 11 Apr 1889.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{41635} C cornet; “New Star” model
Stamped on the bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. FISCHER / 6. 4th AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENTS U- STATES”; on second valve casing with ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE”, and below, “41635”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “n/ Etoile”; entered in stock 23 May 1889 and sold to “Fischer”; it was part of a batch of 12 (41633-44) and was numbered no later than 11 Apr 1889.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{41756} B♭ cornet.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “N/ Etoile” [the entry is blank, but it would appear to be part of a batch of 12 (41753-64)] and was numbered no later than 29 Apr 1889.
[ not located ]
{41330} B♭ bass cornophone; 3 valves, wide mouthpiece receiver
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 1998 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” [sic] / five-pointed star; “Registered / Cornophones”; on first valve casing “F. BESSON” / crown / “BTE. S.G.D.G.” within ellipse / “41330”.
Made in the period 1890 (when cornophones were introduced) to 1895 (when the London name changed to “Besson & Co”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], if numbered in the London sequence, the instrument was numbered no later than 4 Feb 1889.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
Probably made in Paris, the serial number in the Paris sequence.
{41772} Tenor cornophone
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ENGLAND”.
Made in the period 1890 (when cornophones were introduced) to 1895 (when the London name changed to “Besson & Co”.
[ [ Vichy auction 10.11.18 lot 353 ]
Probably made in Paris, the serial number in the Paris sequence.
{41835} B♭ cornet; “New Star” model
Stamped on the bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. FISCHER / 6. 4th AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENTS U- STATES”; on second valve casing with ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE”, and below, “41835”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “n/ Etoile”; entered in stock 11 Jul 1889 and sold to “Fischer”; it was part of a batch of 72 (41783-854) and was numbered no later than 29 Apr 1889.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{41865} E♭ bombardon
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 29 Apr 1889.
[ Streitwieser Foundation ]
{42459} Vocal horn [bell-up tenor cor] in F etc
Stamped on the bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. FISCHER / 6 4th AV. N.Y. / Sole agent - U. STATES”; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” and “42459”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 22 Aug 1889.
Phil Holcomb
{42560} Cornophone ténor in C/B♭
Stamped on bell “Cornophones Registered” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on valve casing with ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / star / “BTÉ S G D.G.” and below “42560”.
Probably made in Paris, the serial number in the Paris sequence. Note that 42560 in the London sequence was numbered no later than 14 Sep 1889 at which date valved instruments were still stamped “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR”.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{42588} Cornet; silver-plated
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 14 Sep 1889.
[ Claude Gordon Collection, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, U.S.A. ]
{42785} Soprano trumpet in E♭, D and C
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “ENGLAND / C. FISCHER / 6. 4th AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENTS U- STATES”; on valve casing with ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / star / “BTÉ S G D.G.” and below “42785”.
Probably made in Paris, the serial number in the Paris sequence. Note that 42785 in the London sequence was numbered no later than 6 Oct 1889 at which date valved instruments were still stamped “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (4519) ]
Probably made in Paris, the serial number in the Paris sequence.
{42982} Soprano trumpet in E♭
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on valve casing with ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / star / “BTÉ S G D.G.” and below “42982”.
Probably made in Paris, the serial number in the Paris sequence. Note that 42982 in the London sequence was numbered no later than 14 Oct 1889 at which date valved instruments were still stamped “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR”.
[ Horniman Museum E1312 ]
{42810} Vocal horn [bell-up tenor cor] in F etc
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “C. FISCHER / 6. 4th AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENTS U- STATES”; on second valve casing with ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉ”, and below, “42810”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 14 Oct 1889.
[ Utley 451; National Music Museum, University of South Dakota 7215 ]
{42899} B♭ flugel
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 14 Oct 1889.
[ Franz Streitwieser; Musica Kremsmünster 1028 ]
{43027} Valve trombone
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE / 43027”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 14 Oct 1889.
[ National Music Museum, University of South Dakota ]
{43301} Valve trombone
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. FISCHER / 6. 4th AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENTS U- STATES”; on second valve casing with ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE”, and below, “43301”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 28 Oct 1889.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{43497} E♭ soprano cornet
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. FISCHER / 6. 4th AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENTS U- STATES”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Soprano Cl.1”; entered in stock in a batch of 6 (43496-501) 1 Jan 1890 and sold to “Fisher” [sic] and was numbered no later than 1 Jan 1890.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{43601} B♭ valve trombone
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 8 Feb 1890.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{43686} B♭ cornet; “Desideratum” model
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. FISCHER / 6. 4th AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENTS U- STATES”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “n/ Etoile”; entered in stock 15 Mar 1890 and sold to “Fisher” [sic]; it was part of a batch of 12 (43681-92) and was numbered no later than 8 Feb 1890.
[ Private collection, France ]
{44131} B♭ flugelhorn.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 1 Mar 1890.
[ Present location not known ]
{44298} E♭ tenor horn
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / on second valve casing with ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉ”, and below, “44298”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 29 Apr 1890.
[ Private collection, U.S.A ]
{44401} B♭/A cornet; “New Star” model
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / ... / “F. BESSON / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “n/Etoile”; entered in stock 31 Jul 1890 and sold to “Henry Acton”; it was part of a batch of 12 (44393-44404) and was numbered no later than 29 Apr 1890.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{44486} E♭ bass cornophone
Stamped on bell “Cornophones / Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ENGLAND”; on second valve casing “F. BESSON / S.G.D.G. / Bte”.
Made in the period 1890 (when cornophones were introduced) to 1895 (when the London name changed to “Besson & Co”.
[ Carl Busch Collection, University of Illinois 12.03.01 ]
Probably made in Paris, the serial number in the Paris sequence.
{44555} B♭/A cornet; “New Star” model
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / ... / “F. BESSON / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “n/Etoile”; entered in stock 2 Oct 1890 and sold to “Fisher” [sic]; it was part of a batch of 12 (44553-64) and was numbered no later than 29 Apr 1890.
[ Private collection ]
{44728} E♭ tenor horn
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / on second valve casing with ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉ”, and below, “44728”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 29 Apr 1890.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{45???} Double-bell euphonium, one passage through valves; silver-plated
Stamped on large bell “CHICAGO / BORE” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON /``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ENGLAND” / five-pointed star / “Doblophone / Registered / C. FISCHER / 6. 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{45005} Cornet, “Desideratum Eclipse” model
Stamped on bell “Eclipse / Registered / 40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th. Avenue, New York / Sole Agent U. States”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Desideratum Eclipse”; entered in stock 28 Aug 1890 and sold to “Fisher” [sic]; it was part of a batch of 12 (44995-45006) and was numbered no later than 28 Aug 1890.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2005/Nov/19 16:04:36 GMT ]
{45121} B♭ cornet; “Star” model
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”; on 2nd valve “F. BESSON / star / Brvete/ 45121”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “n/ Etoile”; entered in stock 27 Nov 1890 and sold to “Fisher” [sic]; it was part of a batch of 12 (45118-29) and was numbered no later than 1 Sep 1890.
[ Private collection ]
{45124} B♭ cornet; “Etoile” model
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “n/ Etoile”; entered in stock 27 Nov 1890 and sold to “Fisher” [sic]; it was part of a batch of 12 (45118-29) and was numbered no later than 1 Sep 1890.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{45181} Cornet; “Star” model.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “n/ Etoile”; entered in stock 27 Nov 1890 and sold to “Fisher” [sic]; it was part of a batch of 6 (45177-82) and was numbered no later than 1 Sep 1890.
[ Private collection ]
{45232} B♭ cornophone cornettito
Stamped on bell “Cornophones / Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on second valve casing “2” / “F. BESSON” / crown / “BTE. S.G.D.G.” within ellipse / “45232”.
Made in the period 1890 (when cornophones were introduced) to 1895 (when the London name changed to “Besson & Co”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (6033) ]
Probably made in Paris, the serial number in the Paris sequence.
{45427} Double-bell euphonium, one passage through valves
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Doublophone Simple Cl. 1”; entered in stock 2 Oct 1890 and sold to “Fisher” [sic]; it was part of a batch of 6 (45422-7) and was numbered no later than 4 Sep 1890.
[ eBay 2012/Jul/17 09:31:12 PDT ]
{45520} B♭ cornet; two main tuning-slides; top-sprung valves.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Desideratum”; entered in stock 25 Nov 1890 and sold to “North Ashton B.B.”; it was part of a batch of 12 (45510-21) and was numbered no later than 25 Sep 1890.
[ Present location not known ]
{45566} Doublophone, two passages through valves; silver-plated
Stamped on large bell “Doublophone / Registered” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON /``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “Doublophone / Registered / ENGLAND / C. FISCHER / 6. 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”; on the valve casing “2” / ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉE” and “45566”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Basse doublophone à pistons doubles Cl.1.”; entered in stock 25 Jun 1891 and sold to Fischer; numbered no later than 25 Sep 1890.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{45570} Doublophone, two passages through valves; silver-plated
Stamped on large bell “CHICAGO / BORE” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON /``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “Doublophone / Registered / ENGLAND / C. FISCHER / 6. 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”; on the small bell with monogram FR / “F. BESSON / LONDON”; and on the valve casing “14” / ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉE” and “45570”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 25 Sep 1890.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (6513) ]
The lowest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “CHICAGO BORE”
{45690} B♭ cornet collé
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on 2nd valve “F. BESSON / star / Breveté / 45690”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Cornet collé”; entered in stock 8 Dec 1890 and sold to “W. Scott”; it was part of a batch of 12 (45686-97) and was numbered no later than 7 Oct 1890.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
The lowest regularly numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{45713} Cornet, “Desideratum Eclipse” model
Stamped on bell “Eclipse / Regd” / “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Desideratum Eclipse”; it was part of a batch of 6 (45710-45715) and was numbered no later than 17 Oct 1890.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2011/Oct/02 19:22:32 BST ]
The highest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{45832} E♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agents U. States”;
second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉ / 45832”.
No mention in the Besson stock books; the instrument was numbered no later than 27 Nov 1890.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{45865} BB♭ bombardon.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 27 Nov 1890.
[ Present location not known ]
{45987} Cornet
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO BORE / Eclipse / Reg./ 40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent / U. States”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “n/ Etoile Eclipse”; entered in stock 31 Dec 1890 and sold to “Fisher” [sic]; it was part of a batch of 12 (45984-95) and was numbered no later than 28 Nov 1890.
[ Private collection ]
{46011} Vocal horn [bell-up tenor cor] in F etc
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR / ... / F. BESSON / ... / C. FISCHER / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 31 Dec 1890.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{46243} Valve trombone
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 31 Dec 1890.
[ Franz Streitwieser; Musica Kremsmünster 992 ]
{46296} B♭ cornet with C attachment and A shank
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “n/ Etoile”; entered in stock 31 Dec 1890 and sold to “Fisher” [sic]; it was part of a batch of 12 (46290-301) and was numbered no later than 31 Dec 1890.
[ Private collection ]
{46632} C cornophone tenor
Stamped on bell “Cornophones / Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on third valve casing “F. BESSON” / crown / “BTE. S.G.D.G.” within ellipse / “46632”.
Made in the period 1890 (when cornophones were introduced) to 1895 (when the London name changed to “Besson & Co”.
[ Museum of Army Music, Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall 126 ]
Probably made in Paris, the serial number in the Paris sequence.
{46887} B♭ cornet; “Star” model
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”; second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉ / 46887”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “n/ Etoile”; entered in stock 14 May 1891 and sold to “Fisher” [sic]; it was part of a batch of 12 (46877-88) and was numbered no later than 23 Apr 1891.
[ Private collection ]
{46901} B♭ flugelhorn.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 23 Apr 1891.
[ Present location not known ]
{47484} Cornet; “Desideratum” model.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 20 Jul 1891.
[ Private collection ]
{47906} B♭ tenor valve trombone
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 11 Sep 1891.
[ Private collection ]
{48107} B♭ echo cornet
Stamped on bell “... / F. BESSON / ...”; on 2nd valve “... / 48107”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 11 Sep 1891.
[ Berlin Musikinstrumenten-Museum LG51 ]
{48190} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”.
on 2nd valve “... / 48190”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 30 Sep 1891.
[ Private collection ]
{48236} Vocal horn [bell-up tenor cor]
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO BORE” and “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / ... / “F. BESSON / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 30 Sep 1891.
[ Private collection ]
{48344} Flugel horn
Stamped on bell “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 30 Sep 1891.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2006/Aug/24 19:53:49 BST ]
The highest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “40 MEDALS OF HONOUR”
{48389} B♭ euphonium, 5-valve
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on valve top caps and sides of stems and casings “7”, “8”, “9”, “1”, “2”; on side of 1st valve casing “F. BESSON / BREVETE” within ellipse / “48389”; on side of 4th valve casing “F. BESSON / BREVETE” within ellipse.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Basse SI♭ à 5 Cl.1”; entered in stock 1 Dec 1891 and sold to “Geek Compy Band”; it was part of a batch of 6 (48387-92) and was numbered no later than 3 Oct 1891.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (3415) ]
{48394} B♭ baritone, 4-valve
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on side of 1st valve casing “F. BESSON / BREVETE” within ellipse / “48394”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 3 Oct 1891.
[ Private Collection, U.S.A. ]
{48398} B♭ cornet; Concertiste model
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on side of 1st valve casing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETE” within ellipse / “48398”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 3 Oct 1891.
[ Private Collection, France ]
{48860} Tenor horn
Stamped on bell “... / 198 Euston Rd, LONDON ,. ENGLAND, C Fisher 6 4th Ave New York, sole agent U.States”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 19 Dec 1891.
[ Private collection ]
{49122} B♭ cornet with ascending valve for C
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ... / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 10 Feb 1892.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{49373} E♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ENGLAND / C. FISCHER / 6 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 14 Mar 1892.
[ Franz Streitwieser; Musica Kremsmünster 635 ]
{49573} B♭ euphonium, 3-valve
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETE” within ellipse / “49573”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Basse SI♭ a 3 Cl 3”; entered in stock 14 Apr 1892 and sold to “G. Kelly BM.”; it was part of a batch of 6 (49568-73) and was numbered no later than 7 Apr 1892.
[ Boosey & Hawkes 746; Horniman Museum 2004.826 ]
{49667} Tenor horn
Stamped on bell “... F. BESSON / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 9 May 1892.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2011/Jun/12 20:54:22 BST ]
{49669} Double-bell euphonium, one passage through valves
Stamped on large bell “Doblophone / Registered” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR BESSON” in banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “ENGLAND / C. FISHER / 6. 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”; on small bell “BESSON & CO / LONDON”; on third valve casing “3” / ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETE” and “49671”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Doublophone simple”; numbered no later than 9 May 1892.
[ Private collection ]
{49671} Double-bell euphonium, one passage through valves
Stamped on large bell “Doblophone / Registered” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR BESSON” in banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “ENGLAND / C. FISHER / 6. 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”; on small bell “BESSON & CO / LONDON”; on third valve casing “3” / ellipse containing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETE” and “49671”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 9 May 1892.
[ Private collection, Germany ]
{49951} B♭ cornet, “Victory” model
Stamped on bell “Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five pointed star;
on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉE” within ellipse / “49951 / 8”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 31 May 1892.
[ Horniman Museum 2021.1 ]
{50276} B♭ euphonium, 5-valve
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “ENGLAND / C. FISCHER / 6. 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”; on first valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETE” within ellipse / “50276 / 10”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Basse à 5 Cl 1”; entered in stock 11 Aug 1892 and sold to “Fisher” [sic]; it was part of a batch of 5 (50274-78) and was numbered no later than 20 Jul 1892.
[ Private collection, Canada ]
{50391} B♭ valve trombone, 3-valve
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “ENGLAND / C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 16 Aug 1892.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{50519} B♭ echo cornet
Stamped on bell “31 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FR / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉ / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ...”
Bell probably 1885 or earlier, valves numbered no later than 16 Aug 1892.
Apparently a replacement bell flare from an earlier Besson cornet has been fitted to the body and proximal part of the bell pipe.
[ Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nürnberg, MI 775 ]
{50674} E♭ tenor horn
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 6 Sep 1892.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2006/Aug/22 12:13:33 BST ]
{50704} B♭ euphonium, 4-valve
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on side of 1st valve casing “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” within ellipse / “50704 / 7”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Basse Si♭ à 4 Cl 2”; entered in stock 21 Sep 1892 and sold to “Gospel Temp B.B.”; it was part of a batch of 12 (50696-707) and was numbered no later than 9 Sep 1892.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{50783} B♭ cornet, “Victory” model
Stamped on bell “Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five pointed star; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉE” within ellipse / “50783 / 8”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 30 Sep 1892.
Accompanied by letter of 25 Oct 1960 from J.R. Howard, Managing Director of Besson & Co, stating that the instrument was sold 14 Oct 1892 to Mr Daniel Neasdon, Bandmaster.
[ Bonhams auction 14.2.01 lot 28; Anderson & Garland, Newcastle upon Tyne, auction 5.11.20, lot 668; Private collection, Britain ]
{50998} Baritone
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”; on 2nd valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE / 50998”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 30 Sep 1892.
[ National Music Museum, University of South Dakota ]
{51502} Cornet
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 22 Dec 1892.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{51613} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “ENGLAND / C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉ” within ellipse / “51613”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 25 Feb 1893.
[ Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix T2008.15.1053 ]
{51791} B♭ flugel
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “ENGLAND / C. Fischer / 6. 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”.
on side of 2nd valve casing “2” / “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉ” within ellipse / “51791”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 3 Mar 1893.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{51937} B♭ cornet
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 28 Apr 1893.
[ Private collection ]
{51991} B♭ euphonium, 3-valve
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on side of 1st valve casing “7 / F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETÉE” within ellipse / “51991”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Basse Si♭ à 3 Cl 2”; entered in stock 8 Jun 1893 and sold to “Grossman & Son”; it was part of a batch of 6 (51989-994) and was numbered no later than 31 May 1893.
[ Private collection, Canada ]
{52065} E♭ tenor horn, brass with nickel plate
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “ENGLAND / C. Fischer / 6. 4TH AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”, also “Celoron Gold Cornet Band”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 31 May 1893.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{52139} B♭ euphonium, 4-valve “Victory” model
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Victory Euphonium”; entered in stock 4 Feb 1895 and sold to “Mr A. Hindle”; it was part of a batch of 4 (52139-42) and was it was numbered no later than 31 May 1893.
[ Private collection, France ]
{52161} E♭ bombardon; 3-valve
Stamped on bell “... / ``Prototype'' / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 31 May 1893.
[ Present location not known ]
{52162} E♭ bombardon; 3-valve
Stamped on bell “CLASS A” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on side of 3rd valve casing “F. BESSON” / ... / “BREVETÉE” / “52162”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 31 May 1893.
[ Gillingham Imperial Silver Band ]
{52829} B♭ flugelhorn
Stamped on bell “... / C. FISCHER / 6. 4th AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENTS U. STATES”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 30 Sep 1893.
[ Present location not known ]
{53522} E♭ soprano cornet.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 8 Jan 1894.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2006/Feb/08 22:58:55 GMT ]
{53635} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “... / PRESENTED TO / MR EDWIN TAYLOR / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 20 Jan 1894.
[ Present location not known ]
{53761} B♭ cornet, “Victory” model
Stamped on bell “Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETE” within ellipse / “53761 / 2”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 8 Mar 1894.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2013/Jan/03 11:29:12 GMT ]
{53782} B♭ cornet, “Victory” model.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 8 Mar 1894.
[ Private collection ]
{53869} B♭ cornet
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 8 Mar 1894.
[ Private collection ]
{54042} B♭ cornet, “Victory” model.
Stamped on bell “Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / engraving of tightrope walker carrying a man on his back, the man is playing a cornet / “FROM CHEVALIER BLONDIN / TO MR CUMMINGS / IN MEMORY OF / HAPPY MOMENTS / MARCH 8TH 1894”; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETE” within ellipse / “54042 / 2”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 22 Mar 1894.
[ Private collection ]
{54120} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ENGLAND / C. FISCHER / 6. 4th AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENTS U. STATES”;
on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / “BREVETE”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 22 Mar 1894.
[ Carl Busch Collection, University of Illinois 01.04.04 ]
{54290} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on sides ofvalve casings “16”, “17”, “18”; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETE” within ellipse / “54290”; numbered no later than 25 May 1894.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{54303} B♭ cornet, “Victory” model
Stamped on bell “Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on valve stems, top and bottom caps and sides of valve casings “1”, “2”, “3”; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETE” within ellipse / “54303”; no inscription on shank.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 25 May 1894.
[ Vichy auction 16.6.12 lot 333 ]
{54378} B♭ cornet, “Victory” model
Stamped on bell “Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ENGLAND / C. FISCHER / 6. 4th AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENTS U. STATES”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 25 May 1894.
[ Norman Eddy 277; Duke University ]
{54501} B♭ cornet, “Victory” model.
Stamped on bell “Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; and, below, “PRESENTED / TO S. ROBINSON / BY THE MEMBERS OF THE / EDMONDSLEY BRASS BAND”; on sides of valve casings “4”, “5”, “6”; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON” / five-pointed star / “BREVETE” within ellipse / “54501”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 16 Jun 1894.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{54726} B♭ euphonium, 5-valve
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / ... / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on side of 1st valve casing “54726”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Basse à 5 Si♭ Argenté Cl.1”; entered in stock 29 Sep 1894 and sold to “Marchside Temp B.”; it was part of a batch of 6 (54727-31) and was numbered no later than 29 Aug 1894.
[ Private collection ]
{54727} Echo cornet.
[ Sotheby's auction 17.11.94 lot 79 ]
{54588} B♭ cornet, “Victory” model
Stamped on bell “Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ENGLAND”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 13 Jul 1894.
[ Stockholm X5378 ]
{55134} Cornet
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR / Dec. 7th 1895/ monogram FB / F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “ENGLAND / C. Fischer / 6 4th Ave NY / Sole Agent / United States / W B Rogers Bandmaster 7th Regt. NY NY from his friend EDwD Kemp”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 21 Sep 1894.
[ Private collection ]
{55414} F trumpet; short model shaped like cornet, Md Fr., second slide straight out, .45x
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 21 Dec 1894.
[ Private collection ]
{55560} Cornet; “Star” model
Stamped on bell “... / Carl Fischer / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 12 Jan 1895.
[ Private collection ]
{55608} Tenor horn
Stamped on bell “... / Besson & Co / Euston Road / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 12 Jan 1895.
[ Private collection ]
{55764} Soprano cornet
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR / F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / ...#148;.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 10 Jan 1895.
[ Private collection, Canada ]
{55807} Cornet; “Star” model; md angl
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “C. Fischer / 6 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 30 Jan 1895.
[ Private collection ]
{55809} Cornet, silverplated
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETE” within ellipse / “55809”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 30 Jan 1895.
[ seen in an Edinburgh pawnshop 25.11.08 ]
{56117} Cornet; “Star” model
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR / F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ENGLAND / C. Fisher / 6. 4th Av. N.Y. / Sole Agent / U. States”; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “Brevete” in a circle / “56117”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 30 Jan 1895.
[ Private collection ]
{56605} B♭ euphonium, 5-valve
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO / BORE” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETE” within ellipse / “56605”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Basse Si♭ à 5 Cl 1”; entered in stock 28 Jun 1895 and sold to “Greengate BB”; it was part of a batch of 6 (56604-9) and was numbered no later than 13 Apr 1895.
[ Boosey & Hawkes; Horniman Museum 2004.1139 ]
{56647} BB♭ bass
Stamped “... / CHICAGO BORE / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 13 Apr 1895.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{56673} B♭ euphonium, 4-valve, “Victory” model
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO / BORE” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on second valve “F. BESSON” / star / “BREVETE” within ellipse / “56673”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Victory Euphonium Cl 1”; entered in stock 8 Oct 1895 and sold to “Lauriston ?etland B.B.”; it was part of a batch of 4 (56671-4) and was numbered no later than 13 Apr 1895.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{56945} Cornet; “Star” model (old “desid”)
Stamped on bell “... / BESSON & CO / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 19 Jul 1895.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{57089} Valve trombone
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO / BORE” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “F. BESSON / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ENGLAND” / “C. FISCHER / 6. 4th AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”; on side of 2nd valve casing “F. BESSON / five-pointed star / BREVETE” within ellipse / “60156”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 21 Aug 1896.
[ Private collection ]
{57287} B♭ cornet, “Victory” model
Stamped on bell “Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on 2nd valve “F. BESSON & CO. / BREVETE” and “57287”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 24 Aug 1895.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{57289} B♭ cornet, “Victory” model
Stamped on bell “Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on 2nd valve “F. BESSON & CO. / BREVETE” and “57289”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 24 Aug 1895.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (6504) ]
{57400}
Stamped on bell “CLASS / A” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / on first valve casing with ellipse containing “BESSON & CO” / star / “BREVETÉ”, and below, “57400”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 24 Aug 1895.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
57456
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 24 Aug 1895.
[ Private collection, Netherlands ]
{57524} 5-valve euphonium
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO BORE” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on first valve casing with ellipse containing “BESSON & CO” / star / “BREVETÉ”, and below, “57524 / 10”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Basse Si♭ à 5 Cl 1”; entered in stock 27 Nov 1895 and sold to “Rawmarsh B.B.”; it was part of a batch of 6 (57521-6) and was numbered no later than 24 Aug 1895.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{57751} B♭ baritone
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / on first valve casing with ellipse containing “BESSON & CO” / star / “BREVETÉ”, and below, “57751”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 26 Oct 1895.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{58344} Tenor horn.
Stamped on bell “CLASS A” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / on second valve casing with ellipse containing “BESSON & CO” / star / “BREVETÉ”, and below, “58344”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 4 Feb 1896.
[ Private collection ]
{58447} B♭ euphonium, 4-valve, “Victory” model
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Basse Victory Cl 1”; entered in stock 8 Feb 1897 and sold to “Begg & Co”; re-entered 16 Oct 1898 and sold to “16ess S. Attwood”; it was part of a batch of 4 (58446-9) and was numbered no later than 15 Feb 1896.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (5715) ]
{58534} E♭ tenor horn
Stamped on bell “CLASS / A” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / on first valve casing with ellipse containing “BESSON & CO” / star / “BREVETÉ”, and below, “58534”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 15 Feb 1896.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{58877} Flugelhorn
Stamped on bell “CLASS / A” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / “...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 21 Mar 1896.
[ Private collection ]
{58915} Cornet; “Star” model (previously “Desideratum”)
Stamped on bell “... / BESSON & CO / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 21 Mar 1896.
[ Private collection ]
{58931} Cornet; “Zephyr” model
Stamped on bell “... / BESSON & CO / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 21 Mar 1896.
[ Private collection ]
The lowest-numbered surviving valved instrument stamped “Zephyr”
{59066} ? Besson & Co., FB.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 21 Mar 1896.
[ Private collection ]
{59175} C cornet; “Desideratum” model
Stamped on bell “... CHICAGO BORE ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 31 Mar 1896.
[ Utley 170; National Music Museum, University of South Dakota 6934 ]
{59382} 5-valve euphonium
Stamped on bell “... MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram / “F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star.
No mention in the Besson stock books; the instrument was numbered no later than 31 Mar 1896.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2005/Aug/05 15:17:02 BST ]
[ Auction on eBay ends 2005/Sep/15 13:51:00 BST ]
[ Auction on eBay ends 2005/Sep/15 20:29:46 BST ]
The higest-numbered surviving London valved instrument stamped on the bell “F. BESSON”
{59451} Cornet
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO / BORE / 50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “ENGLAND / C. Fischer / 6 4th Av., N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”; second valve “BESSON & CO.”/ star / “BREVETÉ” / “59451”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 18 Jun 1896.
[ Private collection ]
{59540} BB♭ helicon converted to sousaphone
Stamped on 3rd valve “9 / F. BESSON”/ five-pointed star / “BREVETÉ” in ellipse / “59540”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 18 Jun 1896.
[ Vichy auction 7.4.18 lot 383 ]
The higest-numbered surviving London valved instrument stamped on the valves “F. BESSON”
{59633} Echo cornet; concertiste model
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR / monogram FB / Besson & Co. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “ENGLAND”; on second valve “Besson & Co. / star / BREVETÉ / 59663”.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{59767} Cornet, silver-plated
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on side of 2nd valve casing “BESSON & Co. / five-pointed star / BREVETE” within ellipse / “59767”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 14 Jul 1896.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{59812} BB♭ bombardon, tall model.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 14 Jul 1896.
[ Present location not known ]
{59911} E♭ bombardon, 3-valve.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 29 Jul 1896.
[ Present location not known ]
{59992} B♭ valve trombone; 4 valves
The valves are stamped “BESSON & CO” inside the usual oval.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 5 Sep 1896.
[ Private collection ]
{60017} B♭ euphonium, 5-valve
Stamped on bell “``Zephyr''” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO. / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on third valve “BESSON & CO” / star / “BREVETE” within ellipse / “60017”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Basse Si♭ n./mod à 5 Cl 1”; entered in stock 20 Aug 1897 and sold to “Mr Jackson”; it was part of a batch of 4 (60017-20) and was numbered no later than 5 Sep 1896.
[ Boosey & Hawkes; Horniman Museum 2004.1139 ]
{60063} Tuba in F, 5-valve [Barlow] model
Stamped on bell “CLASS / A” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ENGLAND” / five-pointed star. Inscribed on sides of 2nd valve casing “BESSON & Co. / five-pointed star / BREVETE” within ellipse / “60063”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 5 Sep 1896.
[ Horniman Museum 2008.268 ]
{60156} Cornet, silver-plated
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO / BORE” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ENGLAND” / “C. FISCHER / 6. 4th AV. N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”; on side of 2nd valve casing “BESSON & Co. / five-pointed star / BREVETE” within ellipse / “60156”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 5 Sep 1896.
[ Private collection ]
{60157} B♭/A cornet
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 5 Sep 1896.
[ Private collection ]
{60244} Cornet
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR / monogram FB / Besson & Co. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; also “presented to Mr C Jackson by the members and friends of the Cliviger BB as a token of esteem Jan 1897”; on side of 2nd valve casing “BESSON & Co. / five-pointed star / BREVETE” within ellipse / “60244”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 5 Sep 1896.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{60592} Cornet
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO / BORE / 50 MEDALS OF HONOUR / monogram FB / Besson & Co. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “ENGLAND / C. Fischer / 6 4th Av., N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 5 Nov 1896.
[ Private collection ]
{60896} B♭ cornet
Inscribed on bell “CLASS / A” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on side of valve casings “34”, “35” / “BESSON & CO. / BREVETE” in ellipse (any mark in the centre of the ellipse worn away) / “60896”; there is no “36” visible on the third valve casing.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 7 Dec 1896.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (2869) ]
{61038} B♭ cornet
Inscribed “198 Euston Rd, LONDON , C. Fisher 6 4th Ave, NY Sole agent UStates”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 7 Dec 1896.
[ Private collection ]
{61275} B♭ cornet; two main tuning-slides.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 7 Jan 1897.
[ Present location not known ]
{61328} Cornet; etoile -short model old desideratum nomenclature (really “New Star”); fixed leadpipe added later.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 3 Feb 1897.
[ Private collection ]
{61863} Cornet
Stamped on bell “37 VR 97” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; stamped on side of 2nd valve casing “BESSON & Co. / five-pointed star / BREVETE” within ellipse / “61863”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 7 Apr 1897.
[ Private collection ]
{62054} 5-valve euphonium
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Basse SI♭ à 5 argenté Cl 1”; entered in stock 21 Jun 1897 and sold to “Lower Ince BB.”; it was part of a batch of 6 (62050-55) and was numbered no later than 20 May 1897.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{62241} 5-valve F tuba
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 15 Jun 1897.
[ Private collection, Switzerland ]
{62251} 5-valve euphonium
Stamped on bell “CLASS A / 50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “BESSON & Co. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON”; on lower section of 2nd valve casing “BESSON & Co. / BREVETE / 62251”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Basse SI♭ à 5 Cl.1”; it was part of a batch of 3 (62249-51) and was numbered no later than 27 Jul 1897;
The entry in the stock books for basse 62251 is blank; however, the descriptions in entries numbered 62249-50 correspond refer to the same model, and “Basse SI♭ à 5 Cl.1” probably refers to instrument 62251 also.
[ Boosey & Hawkes 737; Horniman Museum 2004.1157 ]
{63015} B♭ Cornet with quick-change for A
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO / BORE” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “ENGLAND / C. Fischer / 6 4th Av., N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”; stamped on 2nd valve casing “20” and “BESSON & Co.” / five-pointed star / “BREVETE” within ellipse and / “63015”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 5 Oct 1897.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{63667} B♭ Cornet
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO / BORE” ... “Besson & Co. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “ENGLAND / C. Fischer / 6 4th Av., N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 7 Dec 1897.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2008/Oct/12 04:22:03 BST ]
{63673} B♭ Euphonium, 3 valves
Stamped on bell “CLASS / A” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on 1st valve casing “16” and on lower section “BESSON & Co.” / five-pointed star / “BREVETE” within ellipse and / “63673”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Basse Si♭ à 3 argenté Cl 1”; entered in stock 10 Jan 1898 and sold to “Selkirk Comp B.B.”; it was part of a batch of 6 (63668-73) and was numbered no later than 7 Dec 1897.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{63795} B♭ echo Cornet
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; stamped on 2nd valve casing “BESSON & Co. / BREVETE” within ellipse and / “63795”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 7 Dec 1897.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{63831} F cornophone alto, narrow mouthpiece receiver
Stamped on bell “Cornophones / Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on first valve casing “BESSON & CO” / five-pointed star / “BREVETE” within ellipse / “63831”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], if numbered in the London sequence, the instrument was numbered no later than 5 Feb 1898.
[ Adam Carse; Horniman Museum 14.5.47/312 ]
{63866} B♭ cornet, “Victory” model
Stamped on bell “Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on side of valve casings and stems “16”, “17” , “18”; on side of 2nd valve casing “BESSON & CO / BREVETE” within ellipse with five-pointed star, and “63866”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], numbered no later than 5 Feb 1898.
[ Private collection, Germany ]
{64228} Echo cornet; Concertiste model
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “Besson & Co. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “ENGLAND”; on second valve “Besson & Co. / star / BREVETÉ / 64228”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 5 Feb 1898.
[ Private collection ]
{64495} BB♭ bombardon;/ ``Prototype'' .
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 5 May 1898.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2003/Oct/16 19:45:45 PDT ]
{64953} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “... / BESSON & CO / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 11 Aug 1898.
[ Frederick Stearns; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 1561 ]
{65108} BB♭ bombardon
Stamped on bell “CLASS / A” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on side of valve casings and stems “7”, “8” , “9”; on side of 2nd valve casing “BESSON & CO / BREVETE” within ellipse with five-pointed star, and “65108”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 11 Aug 1898.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (202) ]
{65618} B♭ euphonium; 3-valve, small bore
Stamped on bell “CLASS / A / ...”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was “Basse Si♭ à 3 Cl.1”; entered in stock 5 Dec 1898 and sold to “Bellhill B.B.”; it was part of a batch of 6 (65618-23) and was numbered no later than 11 Nov 1898.
[ Present location not known ]
{65668} Cornet
Stamped on bell “37 VR 97” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books], the instrument was numbered no later than 18 Nov 1898.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{65751} B♭ euphonium
Stamped on bell “Zephyr” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star.
Probably 1899.
[ Present location not known ]
{65757} BB♭ bombardon
Stamped on bell “CLASS / A” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; and “PROVIDED / BY THE / WOMBWELL REFORM CLUB / FOR THE USE OF / WOMBWELL TOWN BAND / JANUARY 1912”; on sides of valve casings “9”, “8” / “BESSON & CO / BREVETE” within ellipse with five-pointed star / “65757”, “7”.
Probably 1899.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (2857) ]
{65796} B♭ euphonium, 5-valve
Stamped on bell “CLASS / A / Zephyr” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on bell near rim “19” monogram “ER” “01”; on valve casings “10”, “11”, “BESSON & CO / BREVETE” in ellipse and “65796 / 12”, “9” and “BESSON & CO / BREVETE” in ellipse, “10”; on stems of valve touchpieces, apart from 4th, “10”, “11”, “ 12”, “10”.
Probably 1899.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (2950) ]
{66420} B♭ cornet, “Victory” model
Stamped on bell “CLASS / A / Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on side of valve casings and stems “7”, “8” , “9”; on side of 2nd valve casing “A” / “BESSON & CO / BREVETE” within ellipse with five-pointed star, and “66420”.
According to the firm's archives [Besson stock books],
Probably 1899.
[ Private Collection, Belgium ]
{66650} C baritone
Stamped on bell “CLASS / A” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star.
Probably 1899.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2007/Feb/10 13:07:46 GMT ]
{66816} B♭ cornet
Stamped on bell “``Zephyr''” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star.
Probably 1899.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2008/Aug/26 18:32:35 BST ]
{67018} B♭ baritone.
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO / BORE” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on third valve “BESSON & CO. / star / BREVETE” all within ellipse / “67018”.
Probably 1899.
[ Private collection ]
{67298} E♭ tenor horn.
Probably 1899.
[ Present location not known ]
{67365} Euphonium, 3-valve
Probably 1899.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{67498} Euphonium, 5-valve
Stamped on bell “Class A / 50 MEDALS OF HONOUR”" / monogram FB / “Besson & Co. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “ENGLAND”; on second valve “Besson & Co.” / star / “BREVETÉ / 67498”.
Probably 1899.
[ Private collection ]
{67789} B♭ cornet, “Victory” model
Stamped on bell “Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on side of valve casings and stems “7”, “8” , “9”; on side of 2nd valve casing “BESSON & CO / BREVETE” within ellipse with five-pointed star, and “67789”.
Probably 1899.
[ Private collection, France ]
{68075} Cornet
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO / BORE” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “ENGLAND / C. FISCHER / 6 4TH AV., N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”; around bell rim “Presented to Dr. G.W. Collins by U.S.D. Band and Musical friends of Vermillion S. Dak. June 2nd, 1900”; on second valve “8” and “BESSON & CO. / star / BREVETE” all within ellipse / “68075”.
Probably 1899.
[ National Music Museum, University of South Dakota 439 ]
{68168} BB♭ bombardon.
Probably 1899.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{68488} BB♭ bombardon.
Probably 1900.
[ Present location not known ]
{68568} E♭ tenor horn
Stamped on bell “CLASS / A” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star; on second valve casing with ellipse containing “BESSON & CO” / star / “BREVETÉ”, and below, “68568”.
Probably 1900.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{69156} Cornet
Stamped on bell “... / BESSON & CO. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / ... / “C. FISCHER / 6 4TH AV., N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”;
Probably 1900.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{69334} B♭ euphonium, 5-valve
Stamped on bell “CLASS / A / ``Zephyr''” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on 3rd valve valve casing, “BESSON & CO / BREVETE” in ellipse and “69334 / 9”.
Probably 1900.
[ Present location not known ]
{69471} C echo cornet
Stamped on bell “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on second valve casing “5” / ellipse containing “BESSON & CO” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉ”, and below, “69471”.
Accompanied by manufacturer's receipt dated 4 Oct 1900.
[ Bonhams auction sale 14.2.01, lot 28; private collection, Britain ]
{69863} B♭ euphonium, 4-valve
Stamped on bell “CHICAGO / BORE” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / “BESSON & CO / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star / “ENGLAND / C. FISCHER / 6. 4TH AV., N.Y. / SOLE AGENT U. STATES”; on 3rd valve valve casing, “BESSON & CO / BREVETE” in ellipse and “69863 / 7”.
Probably 1900.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2021/Apr/21 20:46:59 BST ]
{69930} Cornet
Stamped on bell “Class / B / CHICAGO / BORE / 50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” / monogram FB / “Besson & Co. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / star / “ENGLAND / C. Fischer / 6 4th Av., N.Y. / Sole Agent U. States”; on second valve “Besson & Co.” / star / “BREVETÉ / 69330”.
Probably 1900.
[ Private collection ]
{69980} Cornet with B♭ and A shanks; silver-plated
Stamped “... / Class B / ... / CHICAGO BORE / ...”.
Probably 1901.
[ Private collection ]
{Not numbered} B♭ euphonium; 4-valve, enhanced double principle model
Stamped on bell “Patented” / “50 MEDALS OF HONOUR” within banner / monogram FB / “BESSON & CO. / ``Prototype'' / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON” / five-pointed star; on second valve casing “2” / ellipse containing “BESSON & CO” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉ”; on fourth valve casing “4” / ellipse containing “BESSON & CO” / five-pointed star / “BREVETÉ”.
Probably made in the period 1895 (when the stamping “BESSON & CO” was adopted) to 1904 (when the “Enharmonic Patented” models were introduced).
[ Private collection, Britain ]
The surviving Stock Books of the Besson firm are part of the Boosey & Hawkes archive in the care of the Horniman Museum, London.
This publication has not been refereed and the responsibility for its content rests solely with the authors.
© Arnold Myers, Niles Eldredge, 2006-2023, 2024.
For comments on the contents of Galpin Society Data and Reference Material pages and offers of further information, e-mail: a.myers[at]ed.ac.uk
Return to Galpin Society Reference and Data Material
Return to the Galpin Society welcome page
This page updated 21.11.24