G.Urwin

Hi,

I used to blow a bit when I was very young, now over 50 and thinking of "picking it up", just to keep me off the streets.

I was left my Dad's Besson "New Creation" (from his dance band days in the clubs of North East England) No 134106. It's in pretty poor condition and wondered if I should get it repaired, or just polish it up, hang it on the wall and think of Dad.



Would be grateful of any guidance
Thanks in advance
Geoff

Cornet1

Well, your trumpet is one of the early models of 'New Creation' as the serial number is for circa 1947,...135xxx is for 1948. The 'New Creation' models were top line instruments with some impressive pro users such as Kenny Baker etc. The models made in the late 50's and early 60's were gold plated as standard and, in 1962 cost about £100 when Bessons mid range semi pro models were about £30,...so it was a good quality instrument which has a 'classic vintage' status now.

Why not think about taking it to 'Eclipse' for Leigh McKinney to work his magic on? This will cost about £250-£300 and I can promise you that it will look and play like a new trumpet!

Then you can get back into playing on a high quality trumpet with cosiderable sentimental value thrown in as Dad guides your fingers!!.....If you try to buy a pro trumpet on the secondhand market it will cost considerably more than £300 so why not 'kill two birds with one stone'....?

Voltrane

Hello,

I would not hijack the thread but I have also a Besson New Creation. But it is a cornet. Exactly a Besson Class A New creation Protoype" serial number 97434 and I have the same interrogation than Geoff. It plays correctly, I love the sound but need repairs to be really used in gig. Do you know something about this horn?
Thanks a lot
Marc

Cornet1

Well, that serial number is for 1912-13,..I was'nt aware that the 'New Creation' name was used that far back but I could well be wrong as it's well before my time. Does this instrument have the "198 Euston Rd" address?...what are the exact bell engravings?

Voltrane

Hello,

Its full engraving is (from the beginning of the bell to the end of the bell):
<
Class
A
New Creation
Medal of honour
FB
Besson & Co
"Prototype"
198, Euston Road
London
England
* (Marc: in fact a star)
Carl Fischer
6.4th Av. N.Y.
Sole Agent U. States
>

It plays nicely but needs obviously at least a PVA and some maintenance regarding the valves. Slides are fully operational and the nickel finish is not worse than my 25 years Bach (means regarding the finish it is ok like that, the day I have to much money, I'll do something).

I have recently seen 2 of them at Dillon site, priced 500 and 800 $. So it does not seem to be rare.
What I do not know is the kind of horn it was: pro, student?
As I paid it 100 €, I have some credit to have it repaired if it worth it!
Regards
Marc

Cornet1

In that era there were no 'student' instruments in the same way as now, and all the 'Class A' instruments were of top quality for the day and used by the best bands, both brass and military. Obviously this was an export grade instrument given the 'Fischer' imprint and presumably this accounts for the 'New Creation' name. If you have noted the serial number accurately, and it is a normal Besson number, then this is quite an old instrument as mentioned above. However, the 'prototype' design with the characteristic Besson 'look', was made from about 1885 up to the early 1950's although "prototype" is found on some of the slightly later cornet models. The vast majority of these cornets were made in 'high pitch' although many were converted to low pitch with varying success in the late 50's and early 60's.

Voltrane

Hello,

thanks a lot for this information. I forgot to tell you it is an "american" cornet, not a shepherd crook cornet.
It is obviously an old cornet and the box is also very old. The serial number is right. It came with a Frederick mouthpiece and is at the A 440 hz pitch. May be has it been changed.
I play it also with a Wick 2B and it sounds very nicely. With repaired valves I think it could be something very interesting.
Regards
Marc

G.Urwin

Hello,

Thanks a million for the history. I will get it fixed. I rang my Mam with the news and told her of my plans and now she's crying !!!
Cheers
Geoff

Cornet1

My pleasure!

sorelips

hi i have a besson new creation LR 50 medals of honour trumpet in gold plate number 135***LB in fair good condition in action most every day,
Eddie Calvert "the man with the golden trumpet"being one of the most famous players of one .