Vtg French F. Besson Breveté Grand Prix Pre-War Bb Trumpet Systeme Prototype

Besson Breveté "Grand Prix" Pre-War Bb Trumpet "Systeme Prototype" with serial # 93468. Please note that this trumpet has NOT been serviced and we are NOT musicians! The Body is stamped with the following information and we believe this to be from Pre World War II but the information out there is very very confusing. 96 RUE D'ANGOULÊME PARIS.

The following is from a a chat forum on trumpetherald. Heavyweight Member Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 2544. Josh Landress wrote about some of the 9X, XXX serial numbers being pre-war: spach wrote: After several attempts over the past months (whew), your question spurred me to give it another shot. I found this info at the elstub enterprises music site.

It appears to be accurate for prewar bessons, mehas, and brevetes. BTW, my 1934 Meha's valves have the springs on the bottom and I think this may be characteristic of prewar models.

If anyone knows differently, please elighten us. I have spent the better half of the past 6 years researching Besson information. Here are some things I can share pertaining to French manufacturing. Serial # 95047 is the latest pre-war horn I have uncovered and is a Rapuano model. We know that all Rapuano models were made prior to WWII 2. There was a major change in construction of the valve block in the mid 95XXX range where the bottom part of the casing went from a sleeve over sleeve (tube) construction to a solid machined bar stock casing (like casings made today). I have 2 letters from the Besson company that states serial #86249 was made in April 1924 and serial #87522/ 87663 made in June 1925.

This would mean an average of around 1200 (101 /month) horns a year were made in the mid 20's. If production kept the same rate it would mean that a 94XXX serial would be around 1932. Lets then say that production dropped in 1927 to 500 horns a year would put 94XXX in 1937/1938 which is still before the German occupation of Paris. There are also discrepancies in the serial number stamp font between serial 95045 and 95047.

I can only assume that some parts were left over and that serial numbers were reused after the war. I have also found that all horns with the above mentioned solid stock constructed valve block also have a factory 3rd slide water key which is identical to what Couesnon was putting on its instruments after the war.

It seems that the OP's horn is likely post-war. However, none of this is very clear cut. This horn belonged to Bobby Mitchell (Count Basie Orchestra). Maybe Josh will chime in. If anything at all is wrong with your order or not up to your expectations, please tell us ASAP so that we can do everything possible to satisfy you...

IMPORTANT: Offers must be MORE than 75% of item price & still may be declined... If you would like to message me an offer feel free! It is ALWAYS better to OVER-COMMUNICATE in EVERY situation.

Please take a moment & view all the excellent items available in our store! Or, copy & paste this link. The item is yours once paid for.

I reply to offers & questions ASAP & I appreciate if you'd do so in kind. To save time, offers & counter-offers sent are the lowest we can accept. (Offers on newly listed items or those items containing precious metals should be higher than 75%).

The starting price & how flexible we can be on pricing is based on a contract with the owner! Until paid, you're holding our property hostage, preventing sale to someone else! Read the condition description & review all photos to make your decision. Please also let me know if there are any errors!

Or have expertise to share, please reach out! Item description, its color & condition are subjective. Supply & verify the most accurate, current information but being human do make occasional mistakes. We strive to provide the absolute best customer service possible so please let us know what we can do to improve your experience!

Box, so you must have a physical address! (if not, we have to cancel the order & resell it to you). This item is in the category "Musical Instruments & Gear\Brass\Trumpets".

The seller is "urbangypsies" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovenia, Japan, China, Sweden, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Africa, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Bahamas, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Republic of Croatia, Malaysia, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Jamaica, Barbados, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brunei Darussalam, Bolivia, Egypt, French Guiana, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Jersey, Jordan, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Luxembourg, Monaco, Macau, Martinique, Maldives, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Reunion.

Brand: Besson
Body Material: Brass
Instrument: Trumpet
Finish Material: Brass
Country/Region of Manufacture: France
Key: Bb