F. Besson Saxhorn/Saxotromba (1884)

This elegant instrument appears to be a Saxhorn, or possibly a Saxotromba in E♭, crafted by the famous workshop of F. Besson in Paris. Based on its serial number, the specific exhibition medals listed, and the factory address engraved on the bell, the instrument can be dated to 1884.

Overall, the horn is in very good condition. However, it does have a minor crack in the leadpipe, and decades of sitting around have left the individual valve slides frozen—though the main tuning slide, which has an interestingly large setup, still moves.

The difference between a Saxhorn and a Saxotromba isn't always clear; it seems even Adolphe Sax himself used the names interchangeably. Some researchers, like Eugenia Mitroulia, have even concluded that they are actually the exact same instrument.