Flugelhorn #1934 (7 th photo) is one of the few I could find from this period with the Marais address and the 1904 award date so dates to before 1927. 1930 Courtois now moves to 8 rue de Nancy in Paris. The lowest serial numbers I have found with this change are #2650 for trumpet (bass, 8 th photo), #3738 for flugelhorn,. Posted by Bob on April 18, 2002 at 18:56:40: Can anyone give me a link to where I could find a serial number search for 'Antoine Courtois' instruments. #8226 This is a highly engraved cornet with inscription “Souvenir a son ami JB Arban” which is “in memory of his friend”. This would date this cornet to after Arban’s death in 1889 which seems very late for this serial number. #13279 has the last medal date of 1878 #15548 Arbuckle model, c.1885 #16793 Walter Emerson model, c.1889.

Yes, another copy-cat loyalist site. In the Grand Tradition of the Schilke, Bach, and Conn Loyalist pages, and with a respectful nod of the head to Olds Central, here is all you ever wanted to know about Kanstul made Besson and French Besson trumpets.

This site is primarily about the modern Kanstul made French Besson and Besson trumpets. The real reason for this page is that these are excellent trumpets that are not well known and are under-appreciated. With such a large number of models and long history it can be confusing to figure out which Besson or French Besson instrument you are looking at, if it was Kanstul made, how good it is, and how much it might be worth. This page addresses this gap.

For information on all Meha and Brevete trumpets go to Vintage Trumpets.com .

For reviews and info on all Besson models go here BrassReview.com

The best source for historical and model info on Besson brass instruments is here Horn-u-copiaBesson Page

The Besson trumpets of the early 20^th century were the first truly modern trumpets. The innovations in leadpipe design, bell shape, and wrap (the overall shape of the tubing and instrument) resulted in a far superior instrument to the trumpets of the day. Bach trumpets were inspired (or copied) from early Besson trumpets, and most modern trumpets closely follow the same pattern. Most modern trumpets are in fact close copies or clones of early 20^th century Besson instruments.

The BessonBrevete was a very popular choice for generations of Jazz trumpeters, and was played at various times by artists like Miles Davis, Rafael Mendez (the Olds Mendez was basically a copy of his old Brevete), Lee Morgan, and Fats Navarro.

The BessonMeha was also a very popular choice, being a brighter horn more suitable for lead and big band playing, played by the famous Conrad Gozzo and others.

These original French Besson trumpets are now collectors items, and command high prices. Unfortunately they were out of production for decades until….

The best source for historical and model info on Besson brass instruments is here Horn-u-copiaBesson Page

Enter Kanstul

For some unknown reason the owners of the French Besson trademark decided to make a new line of trumpet in the early 1980s. Fortunately they choose top US maker Kanstul to design and produce the line, and Kanstul faithfully recreated the original horns, and many new models too. The BessonMeha and Brevete lived again (see http://www.vintagetrumpets.com/meha.shtml for loads of good information). These Kanstul made horns are beautifully made and play as well as the originals, without all the issues of 50+ year old instruments. See here for an article from The Music Trades magazine in 1983 (kindly supplied by Kanstul) Kanstul-Besson Trade Magazine Article

From the early 1980s till about 1998 all French Besson trumpets were made by Kanstul, and some other Besson models also.

Sometime around 1998 Kanstul lost or decided not to renew the contract to make some Besson instruments, and the 609 and related lines were terminated. Boosey and Hawkes became part of The Music Group and was then sold to Buffet Crampon, and Kanstul still makes the Stamm and Classic models for Buffet Crampon. There are still French BessonMeha and Brevete trumpets available new, with some called the “New Generation” model. From what I have heard these are Kanstul made but are old stock, as for some unknown reason a lot of these were stockpiled in warehouses and not distributed at the time of production.

The Kanstul made French Besson and Besson trumpets are universally excellent instruments. Model numbers include:

Besson 609

Besson 709

Besson 809

Besson 909

French Besson International

French BessonMeha

French BessonBrevete

Courtois flugelhorn serial numbers today

French Besson Classic

French Besson “Stamm”

If you see “London” anywhere on the instrument it is NOT Kanstul made.

The Kanstul ones may or may not have “USA” stamped on them somewhere – the lack of a USA marking does not indicate a non-Kanstul one to my current knowledge. They usually had “Kanstul” stamped on them somewhere or a small Kanstul “K” logo. If you find one with these markings it is Kanstul made.

The 609/709, Meha, Brevete, Classic and Stamm models were (or still are) only made by Kanstul. The International was made by Kanstul and also in the Besson plant in India (more recent models I think). Only the International model is of questionable maker.

KanstulBesson Trumpets

Besson 609

This was a “student” line instrument that outplays most any student instrument on the market, and are as good as some pro instruments. Plays dark in tone, and has some similarities to the Olds Ambassador. Comes in a variety of configurations, the most common in lacquer with standard water keys and a 3^rd valve saddle, but some have Amado water keys, 1^st and 3^rd slide saddles, and some are in silver plate. For the money you can’t beat these, especially the ones in silver plate. They are commonly sold on Ebay for $100-$300, depending on plating and specs and condition, often in great condition for around $150. The Kanstul 610 is basically the same instrument but newer and rarer and still available new from some shops.

If your main trumpet is too bright for orchestral playing a Besson 609 is a great choice as a cheap second instrument that will do the job well.

If you are looking for a used starter instrument or backup trumpet these are the best value for money at the moment, and I respectfully suggest that the Olds Ambassador should be passed over, and similar used Yamaha or Bach models also. For t

Courtois Flugelhorn Serial Numbers