The instrument can be viewed and played, of course, at Rothley, LE7. It has been in a case in a cupboard for 6 years, waiting for me to have the time to actually clean it up and check it over. Whilst it is a beautiful instrument, there is no sentimental history to me. The water-key cork has just been replaced and greased. All the slides are greased and move very freely. I have not done this – to keep the instrument original. The bracket between the bell and the tube coming out of the valves needs to be re-soldered but apart from that there is no damage. As you would expect for an instrument of this age that has been played and loved, there are the usual areas where the finish is slightly worn. The condition is overall pretty good too. This is a totally authentic original 1898 top quality instrument. The instrument plays well and in good tune. Above the serial number in an elipse in which is engraved BESSON & Co, then a 5-point star in the middle, then BREVETE underneath (all inside the elipse) which is French for patented. BESSON & Co "Prototype" 198 Euston Road London The valves are, rather strangely, numbered 4, 5 and 6 for what I would call 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Something that looks like FB in ornate script, but I'm not sure. 4 photos to show you the form, state and detailing of the instrument.
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