hi i have Besson Stratford that ive had since i was little i dont remember how my father got but weve had it in my family for awhile and i have been trying to find information about it for a long time...the only thing i can guess after reading these threads is that it was made somewhere in the 1960's and that its a besson made turmpet because of it having the enclosed springs on the valves

the serial # is 285309

it says 'Made in England'
and the bell has besson on it with an 16th note stem going thru the name and having the word Stratford inside the Circle of the note with the "made in england' below that

any information about this instrument is appreciated ive played for a long time and would love to know the history of this horn

Thank You