'Besson-forme horn' (?). Nominal pitch: F|/|E♭|/|D.
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InstrumentAlto saxhorn |
Instrument FamilyWind |
MakerGustave Besson |
Place MadeParis ; Europe ; France ; Western Europe |
DescriptionTechnical description: Brass; wrap with slight bend in the bellpipe resulting in the axis of the bell being at an angle to the axes of the valves and tuning-slides; French bell rim.Fitting for music-card holder; no water-key., , , , , , , , , , , , , Valve type: 3 Périnet valves, bottom-sprung with alignment by key on piston., |
Other InformationGeneral usage of type: According to Eugenia Mitroulia (PhD Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2011, p.63 and p.126), Besson sold saxhorns illegally to the army after December 1854 in contravention of Sax's patent, calling them 'Besson-forme' horns. According to his wife, he changed the direction of the bell so that his instruments deviated from the Sax's saxotromba form. This instrument appears to be a example of this design, but as no other example is known or can be positively identified as 'Besson-forme' there remains some doubt., |
NotesArnold Myers (bore measurements) 1.11.14, description 23.7.16. |
Measurementsfrom plane of bell to large bow 560; bell 170. |
Provenanceon loan to the Collection. |
CollectionMIMEd |
Accession Number6376 |