jc4me2000

Help. I am trying to find any information on an old Stratford Trumpet. The only markings on this all brass horn are: STRATFORD Made in England and the serial # 210076. This horn was found in the Ohio River in 1972 and is fully functional. Any info on how to determine any history or how to contact the company that made the horn would be greatly appreciated

Cornet1

I assume this is a 'Besson Stratford'....the word "Besson" should be in a separate style of engraving to the "STratford" Most of the Stratford production was made by Boosey and Hawkes and usually the B&H 'microbor' valves with black plastic guide rings and exposed springs are fitted ( the stratford/Empy were possibly the first instruments with these new high quality valves). The Besson Stratford and the B&H 'Emperor' are effectively the same instrument, only th eengraving beiong different. The 'Empy' was the top range trumpet for B&H but the Stratford was only mid range for Besson and a good bit cheaper than the 'Empy'.

Genuine Besson made Stratfords are fairly rare in my expereience and are fitted with Besson type valves with enclosed suspended springs having metal cross pegs.

The serial number is consistent with a B&H instrument made approx 1956.

The Stratford trumpet played well and was used in lower pro and semi-pro orchestras and ensembles. Most notable users were the famous 'Squadronaires' Big band of the RAF,..a WWII band which survived into the early 60's.

In 1961 the Stratford trumpet was £31 including purchase tax.

There was also a sort of long model Stratford cornet made largely for the US market but sold in the UK as a "mezzo-trumpet". This instrument was also made with B&H 'Imperial' engraving.