Besson (1880's)

This is what looks to be a Saxhorn, or possibly a Saxotromba in Eb, made by F. Besson in Paris. The serial number and address on the bell suggest it was made between 1884 and 1889.

It is in very good condition, however there was a crack in the leadpipe and the tuning slides are all stuck except for the main tuning slide, which is very large, interestingly.

The difference between Saxhorn and Saxotromba are not always quite clear, it seems that even Sax himself used both names interchangeable. Some researchers (e.g. Eugenia Mitroulia) have even said that they are in fact the same.