DescriptionTechnical description: Brass; with alternative set of 4 tuning-slides for C. With extra intonation slide on 3rd valve operated by L4. With two water-keys. Valve type: 3 Périnet valves; top sprung.
Overall size: 415; bell 109.
Bore: mouthpipe at c 35mm from mouthpiece receiver (minimum bore) 8.2; m.t.s. at 182-343mm from mouthpiece receiver, tuning-slide bores 10.2 from mouthpiece receiver, tuning slide bores 10.2 - 10.4; centre of valve cluster at c 407mm from mouthpiece receiver, v.t.s. bore (3, 2, 1) 10.4; at 504mm from bell end, c 10.8; at c 287mm from bell end, 15.3; at 17.1mm from bell end, 64.7. B = 0.57. Bell cutoff = 1400 Hz.
Dia of mouthpiece receiver: m.r.t. 11.1 - 10.0.
Inscribed on bell "LP / Class / A / 50 MEDALS OF HONOUR" / Besson monogram / "BESSON & CO / Prototype / LONDON / British Throughout". Inscribed on sides and bottom caps of valve housings "7", "8", "9". Inscribed on side of middle valve housing "BESSON & CO / BREVETE / 130852".
Usable pitch: A⁴ = 440Hz.
Performance characteristics: Free-blowing and well in tune.
Accessories: with fitted attaché case, probably original.
Probably formerly used with and possibly supplied by manufacturer with mouthpiece.
Specific usage history: Used by Christopher Monk (1921-1991). |