Gustave Besson was born in 1820. In 1838, he started his own instrument manufacturing company, Besson, in Paris. In 1857, Besson became established in London. Besson died in 1874, but the company continued in the family after his death. The company changed its name to Fontaine Besson in 1880 in France and Besson in England.
This Bb cornet was likely made c. 1880 and features an original case, original tuning bits, original lyre, and an intricate bell engraving.
This cornet was acquired by us thanks to the generosity of Steve Sprague.