AboutKenton Scott Expertise Provide information on antique, obscure and out of production BRASS instruments. Please don't ask for evaluations, I'll not provide them on this site.
Experience I perform in several historical bands, have informally researched the area, repair brass instruments, and operate a Forum dedicated to the topic at http://horn-u-copia.net
Question I purchased a (baritone horn size)E flat tuba 15 years ago.
The engraving reads GAUTROT AINE 1900 HORS CONCOURS
COUESON & Cie (Circled 24).
It still sounds ok, it has been beat up but I spent little money to get it sounding good enough.
What would be the history and value of this instrument.
Your suggestion is greatly appreciated.
Answer The 24 is the production date - 1924.
Couesnon has been in business for over 170 years. The Couesnon company was started in 1827, outside of Paris. Cousenon was located in Paris in 1882 by Amedee Couesnon the son-in-law of Gautrot Aine. In 1883, it was called Couesnon, Gautrot et Cie, and from 1888, Couesnon et Cie. By 1896 they had a workforce of 200
By 1911, Couesnon had expanded to eleven factories and more than 1000 workers. During this time the products were highly sought after and were played by many virtuosos. A 1913 catalog lists the models from best to worst: Modele Monopole, Opera AN, Armee BN, Armee GNM, Cantional BO, Universel CGO, and Model SO.
But, by 1927 they were down to a workforce of 200.
During the 1930s they began catering to marching brass bands, and gradually became almost the only supplier of marching brass instruments in France. They made many horns which were imported into the United States, including many that were sold under the names of music stores and other private labels.
The company is now a very small family owned business.
