Nadelcpa

Great Grandpa purchased a "hand made" (his discription) French Besson in France in 1914. I have had it for 42 years.
My father told me there were just a handful made then, but he is not reliable!

An original leader pipe was replaced in the 60's - do not know the size. The horn plays well, the bell is dented and I am concerned to repair it - it is so "soft" around the bell.

I live in or near LA

I have two questions

Should I fix the bell - and is there a well know specialist who can do it right?

Is this trumpet of great or minimal value? I really have no idea!

Vulgano Brother

Yes! My experience has been with repaimen in Germany, but there are some awesome guys on the west coast.

It has far more than minimal value -- it was good enough that someone replaced the leadpipe, and by your own admission the horn plays well. Word on the street is that the French Bessons were the trumpet every other manufacturer copied, and as such, they are highly valued.

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MFfan

If you can attach photos it would help listers evaluate the horn. If you can relate the serial number there are lists that can verify the age. I have an English Besson trumpet and cornet, from 50's and 60's. From following a lot of auctions on ebay and goodwill, I notice that whenever a French Besson turns up, interest is pretty high and they usually bring more than the English ones. I assume the valves and slides work ok. The bell on my trumpet isn't perfect either, but I don't plan to do anything at this time. It would be worth it to send photos to a good repair shop for and evaluation.

J. Landress Brass

I have many original French Besson and New York Bach parts, bells, leader pipes, valves and bracing; all of which has never been put on a horn. If you are lokoing to restore the horn to an original condition I can do that for you. Plese send me a pm.

JL

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Josh Landress
J. Landress Brass
Wooden Sleeve Sound Enhancement System
Hand-made Trumpets & Trombones
Hand-made mouthpipes
Mouthpiece alterations
Expert Brass repair and restorations
www.myspace.com/jlandress
516-521-7101

DCB

As for dating the horn here is the best serial number/date records I have found.


It may be worth it to rebuild it.

Peace

__________________
dcb <><
John 14:6
Kanstul/ Najoom French Besson
Holton Collegiate
Conn 80A
Amati flugelhorn

Richard Oliver

Charlie Melk in Wisconsin of Charlie's Brass Works, http://www.charliesbrassworks.com/index.php

Excellent. Pack her up, ship, ask him to phone you or email you with an estimate, and his estimate of the horn in general.

DCB

Ditto on Charlie Melk... he is great.

__________________
dcb <><
John 14:6
Kanstul/ Najoom French Besson
Holton Collegiate
Conn 80A
Amati flugelhorn