Besson International Bb (London). Info re this old horn?

[hepsta]

I am hoping someone can provide me with some information about an old trumpet which I own. It was my first trumpet and I have had it since I was 16 years old.

It is a silver Besson International trumpet, made in London UK, which I purchased from my music teacher in 1964. I am interested in finding out more about this trumpet and particularly it's age, history, rarety and value. The instrument was very old even at that time. He brought the trumpet to Australia from London UK. He told me that it had originally belonged to a British Big Band trumpet player by the name of Harry Swift (probably in the1940's or 50's) . I have found a famous player on the internet called George Swift but the information on the site indicates that he did not own this instrument.

The instrument is beautifully made and very unusual looking, as it is quite long, small bore and a small diameter bell that is engraved with the words "Besson International" surrounded by a decorative pattern around the bell, not scrolls, but a very angular design - sort of art deco. On the underside of the throat of the bell it is marked with a banner saying "50 medals of Honour", the initials in ornate script "FB", "BESSON & Co. LONDON" a star, and in script "British Throughout". The 2nd valve casing is stamped "Besson & Co. (a star) Brevete 126545. The instrument has seen a lot of service; the copper valves are a bit sloppy and the silver plating which is quite thick, has worn off in a few places where the instrument is gripped. The valve buttons are hexagonal and inlaid with pearl. However, it still plays quite well and it has a very "bright" tone. The case, which is black, is lined with dark blue plush velvet and in goldstamped "Besson London".
I have some photos that I could email someone is they are interested in identifying the instrument.

Hepsta, Melbourne, Australia

[James Becker]

Nearly thirteen years after hepsta's original post we received a Besson & Co London Bb trumpet like his for repair. It's serial number 125857 predating his by only 668 numbers. The style is quite similar to a Conn 40B Voca bell with it's rimless bell, art deco engraving, eight raised vertical ribs to emulate the multifaceted Conn valve casings. The bore is .453" and is missing it's A extension "H" shaped slide and stop rod and post. Thankfully the tubing is compatible with M-bore .453" tubing we have on hand so fabricating it's replacement should not be too difficult. After extensive freeing of stuck slides, brazing broken braces and fabrication of missing ones, dent removal, all three pistons plated, hone and hand fit it will receive a thorough clean and polish. If the owner is content we'll leave the original silver plated finish enacted.
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James Becker
Brass Repair Specialist Since 1977
Osmun Music Inc.
77 Powdermill Road Rt.62
Acton, MA 01720
www.osmun.com

Our workshop is as close as your nearest UPS store https://www.ups.com/dropoff?loc=en_US

[Basmundi66]

I've acquired a silver besson international brevette BB/c trumpet with an amazing design . I could not find one anywhere . It plays absolutely amazing . Sn is 126249 it's is the exact besson international that is on this post amazing the serial number begins with 126 . I can't even find this instrument anywhere on the besson site. Does anyone no how many were made . They seem really rare. It is bottom sprung just like the Bach's from the 80's . The SN number is somewhere around 1933 . I played it the other day and wow . It is so nice . I have also got a boosey and hawkes sovereign studio trumpet . Very light and it totally sings all through every note . One of the best horns I have ever played . I think Dr Richard Smith had something to do with the sovereign with Dennis wick. Any info would be very appreciated 👍
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Barry Johnson