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We eventually had to make a special ball out die for the repair.
#F. BESSON SERIAL NUMBERS CRACKED#
The most difficult and time consuming part of the restoration was the repair of the third slide crook, which at one point was extremely damaged and quite poorly repaired and was split, cracked and holes filed into it. Some of the ferrules for the slides were also cracked and beyond repair which required fabrication of new ones. There were also a large number of cracks in the tubing, bell and crooks which required brazing and 2 patches. The horn initially from a distance appeared to be in rather good condition, however it was a rather difficult restoration with major damage that was poorly repaired over the years. This particular instrument was restored for Vince DeMartino.
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The Shaw disc valve was a unique approach to expanding the harmonic series in brass instruments that was short lived due to its easy malfunction and loss of air compression. I very unique instrument featuring Shaw Disc Valves, this Kohler Cornet is serial 1077 which was made some point in the late 1840's to early 1850's. For now, we still need to do more research, but as far as I can assume, this is the oldest Besson cornet yet known to exist! It is also known that there are examples of horns that were made with valve systems prior to the patent filing dates. This same valve system was also patented by Adolphe Sax in 1853. Another piece of the puzzle is the fact that Besson and Rodel (who were working together in the early years of Besson's shop) had patented the valve system in 1851, 18.
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This would then mean that this P&K cornet is the oldest yet known cornet from Besson's workshop.
#F. BESSON SERIAL NUMBERS SERIAL NUMBER#
This is what I believe is the serial number for Besson's production at Rue Des 3 Couronne based on the fact that the Besson Faux Corneopeon (in my collection) has the same valve section and is serial number 12. Until I finished the restoration, I thought it was a pliers mark or some other marring, but after close examination is in fact the number 4. Another very interesting factor is the number "4" stamped on the tuning bit receiver. This cornet is also the earliest yet know bell number for a P&K cornet. We also know that Pask and Keonig at the time were not making horns themselves and were importing instruments from France with their name on it. PARTS NUMBERS AND INFOPicture 1 is of the parts catalog listed. Very interesting thing about this cornet, we know that Gustav Besson had an outpost at Pask and Keoning's shop in London as early as 1849. Unable to Identify Model Number or Serial Number.VISIT OUR online STORE WHERE YOU CAN BROWSE OUR used inventoryBesson ‘Contrebasses No. 1849 Pask and Keonig cornet by Gustav Besson possibly the oldest Besson cornet.