Vintage F. Besson Approximate Year?
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First post here! 
I recently purchased this beautifully restored French Besson cornet from Rich Ita. Hard to determine the actual year/vintage. It has the underslung finger ring like pre-war Besson trumpets. Thanks for any info! -Perry- -
Its a Brevette
Its an F Besson meaning Fontaine Besson
The serial appears to be a five digit and it appears to read 870??
It has the appearance of pre-war Bessons so the serial number would suggest it falls beyond 1930 possibly 1935, anything closer would be guesswork
Apologies I cannot be more accurate
The Paris bessons were excellent so I would suggest this too is excellent.
I note you are using a Wick mouthpiece, I do like the Wicks on old instruments I would recommend however having a look at the Yamaha cornet pieces as well.
The 11E4 is a fine piece and good alternate to the smaller Wick pieces. The 16E is a good alternate to the larger Wick pieces.
I am not suggesting you dump the Wick but having both Wick and Yamaha pieces in the armoury gives greater possibilities in finding exactly the right sound you are looking for.
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That is gorgeous. Perfect condition.
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Thanks! We were guessing somewhere in the 1930's.
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@administrator A bit over-restored, to my taste. By all means take out the dings and make it play-ready; but re-plating removes all the character of its age from the horn - especially as many horns of that period originally came in a matte finish.
