Description4-valve double principle / compensating
Technical description: Silver-plated brass. 4-valve `Enharmonic' system: mouthpipe leads to 3rd valve, 1st and 2nd valves double with respect to 3rd valve; 4th valve compensating with respect to 3rd valve. 2 water-keys, one on main tuning-slide. Screw for music card-holder. Hinged catch to hold 4th valve in closed position for transportation. Valve type: 4 Périnet-type valves. Repair History: Removable main tuning-slide extension pieces for low pitch (brass, not original).
Overall size: 630; bell 278.
Bore: v.t.s. (1,2,3) 14.6, v.t.s. (4) 15.2 15.4; m.t.s. 16.1 - 19.2.
Dia of mouthpiece receiver: m.r.t. 12.8 - 12.2.
Inscribed on bell "CLASS / A / Enharmonic / Patented" / "50 MEDALS OF HONOUR" within banner / monogram FB / "BESSON & CO / Prototype / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON / ENGLAND"; floral design on bell, with "1911"; on valve casings "1", "BESSON & CO / BREVETE" in ellipse and "89480 / 2", "3", "7" and "BESSON & CO / BREVETE".
With black leather covered drop in case.
Usable pitch: Old Philharmonic pitch.
Illustration references: Vol. 1 p.137; Myers 1991, Plate 15; Myers 2000, p.181. |