Expert: Kenton Scott - 6/12/2009

Question
I recently aquired a brass instrument which i have since found out is most likely an Eb Alto Horn. It is engraved with:

CLASS
A
[in ribbon] 50 MEDALS OF HONOUR

[in cursive scrawl] FB

BESSON & Co

"Prototype"

198 EUSTON ROAD
LONDON
ENGLAND

[five point star]

Based on the serial number of 107-764, I have determined it was most likely made in between 1919 and 1920. is this an accurate dating? is there any way to narrow that date down?

i would also like to know if they are at all unusual, as my interest mainly lies with slightly more obscure things (as in are they a rather common antique instrument...?).

Lastly, it is fairly good playing order, all the slides are movible, and the only problem is the third valve is "sticky", and gets stuck three quarters of hte way down. is there any way to fix this (or even to improve playing quality) without professional fixing?

these may be stupid questions, but i appreciate the time you are taking to peruse it and possibly answer it.
thankyou in advance,
Rommy

Answer
The dating of Besson instruments - particularly non-trumpets - is difficult. If you would like to look at an example take a look at:  http://www.galpinsociety.org/gdnj.html

Makers weren't concerned with making a serial number list for historically determining the age of instruments.  They were just interested in keeping track of them while in process.

The Alto horns at least in some parts of the world are retired.  But, at one time they were very common.  So, there are lots of them out there, languishing.  

Bessons always had a reputation for being good instruments, however.

A sticky valve can be caused by a variety of things.  First make sure the stem is not rubbing against the valve cap. Clean it, and make sure there is no dirt causing the problem.  You might want to try putting toothpaste on the piston and working it up and down and then thoroughly clean it out.  If there is a minor problem that may free it up a bit.  Beyond that, you probably want a repair service to take a look at it.