Antique Musical Instruments/Besson Bell-Forward Euphonium

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Expert: - 4/2/2009


Question
Hi, I have a Besson Euphonium, 4 valve Compensating with a removable forward bell.  I am trying to determine the age and also asking if this type of instrument is rare, as I can not find any other like it on the internet forums.  There are, what appear to be, two serial numbers; one on the secong vale and  one on the collar jut below the removable bell.  The valve S/N is 145115 and the collar S/N is 190841.  Can you explain which number is used and how?  I am guessing, based on your previous answers, that the horn was built around 1954 in England.
Thanks,
Tom Angelus, Vancouver, Canada

Answer

Besson Bell forward Eu
Trying to determine age of Besson instruments is difficult at best.  There are partial serial number lists for trumpets and trombones, but not for other instruments.  

The dual serial numbers was not uncommon among some makers.  The reason for them is that the valve assembly was made in a separate department than the rest of the horn.  And, the company used the serial numbers to keep track of the various components of the horn, not so that customers could date the instruments.  Parts were frequently made in batches and sent from one department to the other.  So, there was no attempt to match up the numbers or even to use them consecutively.   

The bell up variety was the more common version of the instrument.  Attached is an example
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks for the great photo. That is my horn! Mine is in pristine condition compared to the one in the photo.


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