Expert: Kenton Scott - 8/25/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have a 4V Couesnon Euphonium in Silver Plate very good condition. On the bell are the following
Exposition Universelle de Paris (in scroll)
underneath 1900 in a medalion
followed by Hors Concours
MEMBRE DU JURY
Gauirot Brevete
S.G.D.G.
Couesnon & Ce
Successerurs Paris
then monogram of sorts
No visable serial number
all valve casings are marked 1, 2, 3, or 4
On 2nd valve casing D9
On 4th valve casing D18
Please advise if know history and possible value

ANSWER: There is probably a circle with a number in it,(it is nicknamed the Pineapple) The number would be the date of manufacture.

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QUESTION: That I am aware of and there is no pineapple or anything like it. The instrument shows no sign of being replated an no signs of too much wear. Just for backgroungd I have been in the music "trade" for 25 years most things now don't stump me. This has. Any more thoughts

Answer
Well, Couesnon bought out Gautrot in the 1880s. So, I suppose this instrument is using Gautrot design(I don't have any pictures of a Gautrot 4v euph with which to compare. )  Does it look similar to this Couesnon?  http://www.horn-u-copia.net/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1124192849#3