Expert: Kenton Scott - 3/4/2006

Question
I have recently "inherited" from my father's attic two coronets belonging to his father
first one has floral design with "chicago bore...50 medals of honor..besson& co...Prototype..198 euston road London...england..c. fischer..6.4th av. n.y.
sole agent u. states" on horn with 67562 on valve

second one..has "made by cg conn elkhart ind" on horn with "126603" and "pat. april 21907" on valve
both have been in atic for 30+ years and were obviously well-used before that not so much concerned with monetary value as curious about history...any info would be wonderful.  Thanks, Tammi  

Answer
The first one translates to being manufactured in England by Besson, and was then imported into the US by Carl Fischer.  I can't narrow the date of manufacture much.  Besson was at that street address from 1858-1934.  And, Fischer was in business starting in 1872.  So, all we know from the engraving was that the horn is no older than 1872 and no newer than 1934.  Now, the next possibility is the serial number.  Unfortunately, I don't know whether that is a Besson numbering system or a Fischer numbering system. There are no available records on Fischer.  But IF it is a Besson number, then the horn was made beween 1898-1903.

As for the Conn, it was made in 1924.  

They would both be quality instruments, and if is good playing condition probably still can hold their own.  

Enjoy them.

kms