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 a historical analysis of its serial number, the specific exhibition medals listed, and the factory address engraved on the bell, the instrument can be confidently dated to 1884.

Overall, the horn is in very good structural condition. However, it bears a minor crack in the leadpipe, and decades of rest have left the individual valve slides frozen—with the notable exception of the main tuning slide, which is interestingly large in its configuration.

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.