Trumpet/Besson cornet

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Expert: Mike Pawul - 5/13/2009


Question
I am trying to find out any info. I can about a Besson cornet, made in England with the serial #383307: i.e. age, value, type? It does say 10-10 on it along with three initials FJB, 50 medals of honour, London-Paris-New York, made in London. Thanks!!! Betty

Answer
Betty, Sorry for the delay but I was out of town and thought I had told the service to not send any questions until I was back. The 10-10 model is a good player and there are still many of them out there. The serial number dates the horn to 1967 when the building quality was very good. The value depends on the wear to the finish and if it is plated or lacquered, dents and dings, wear to the valves, work needed to put it into top shape, and demand when you sell it. It should fall somewhere between $75-300 based on the above.

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Mike Pawul

Expertise

I am familiar with most trumpets, cornets, and flugelhorns. I can answer most questions about playing and musicality. Best of all, if I can't answer it directly I play regularly in several bands and have many "old timers" that are familiar with most things that I am not. I collect, repair, and refinish old horns and have sold over 600 with more than 400 on ebay

Experience

I have played since 1965 and studied with many directors and trumpeters. I have been collecting since 2002 and have over 150 horns in my personal collection. I have done repair and refinsh since 2003 and have done work on over 900 horns.

Organizations
Kosair Shrine Brass Band and Dance Band, The Notables, The Mello Tones, Bourbon City Brass Band, River Cities Concert Band, Derby City Brass Band, University of Louisville Community Band, Member of Trumpet Players International Network (TPIN), Bugles Across America (BAA), Member of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT)

Education/Credentials
I played at Brunswick High School. I played through college and have a BS in Business Administration from Trinity College. Of course, I am still learning from all my friends that play and work on trumpets around the world.

Awards and Honors
Without being vain, numerous awards and have played in several honor bands.

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