Images(5)

Cornet, B-flat, A

Maker F. Besson

Date1876 ca.

Place MadeParis, France, Europe

ModelCornet Belge

Serial No.8280 [?]

SignedStamped on bell: 28 MEDAILLES D’HONNEUR (in banner) / FR (monogram) / F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 92. RUE D ANGOULÈME / PARIS
MarkingsStamped on second valve casing within oval: F. BESSON / B[REVET]É
Stamped on second valve casing below oval: 82[8]0 (third digit not properly stamped, most likely “8”).
Stamped on valve casing, spring stems and valve caps, respectively: 31, 32, 33
DescriptionBrass, German silver (finger buttons), double loop, tuning slide at third bow, removable leadpipe (shanks), three Périnet valves (1, ½, 1½), top-sprung, spring outside stem, alignment by one key on piston (nickel-plated brass), modèle français, windway 1-2-3

Tuning shanks for B-flat and A

In the Besson London stockbooks, this model was offered as “Cornet, ordinary model in ♭” or "cornet belge" and was produced in London and Paris. This instrument is the earliest known serial number with the mention of "28 medals" making 1876 a likely date of manufacture.

The female form of "Brevetee" in the signature indicates that the instrument was made under Florentine Besson or her daughter Marthe Josephine Besson after 1874 (the year Gustave Besson died).
DimensionsHeight: 308 mm
Tube length: 1263 mm, 1343 mm, 1414 mm
Bore diameter (initial, minimum, tuning slide, valve slides): 11.8 mm, 10.7 mm, 11.5 mm, 12 mm
Bore diameter (shanks, range initial, minimum): 9.1 mm, 8.4–8.8 mm
Bell diameter: 117 mm
ProvenancePurchased from André Bissonet, Paris, France, 1988.
Published ReferencesSabine Katharina Klaus, Trumpets and Other High Brass: A History Inspired by the Joe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection. Volume 4: The Heydey of the Cornet (Vermillion, SD: National Music Museum, 2022), pp. 27-28, 30, 265.

Credit LineJoe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection, 1999

Object number06940

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