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Trumpet/F Besson Brevete Trumpet

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Expert: Mike Pawul - 5/17/2009


Question
We recently came across my grandfather's trumpet.  We don't know if he had used in it WWI or in high school.  The engraving on the horn is faded but it looks like it has a banner (writing illegible)
a monogram (perhaps a B),
F Besson
Dictotype
183 Custon Road
London England

It also has an oval insignia stated F Besson Brevete 47541.  It is in a case which has a ribbon showing Henri Gautier Virtuoso.

Would you have any information on this trumpet?

Answer
Lori, The horn is most likely a cornet and not a trumpet. The engraving shows the horn to be a London made Besson. The serial dates it to the mid 1890s. The case does not go with the horn but with a Gautier cornet which was made in mainland Europe. It is definitely a collector horn and if in mint shape would be worth about $300-700 depending on if the extra crooks and mouthpiece are with it.

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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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