Couesnon "Monopole" (±1910-1915)

Bearing the serial number 16000, this instrument belongs to Couesnon's prestigious "Monopole" line—their highest-tier, top-of-the-range professional model series. This specific artifact highlights both a break in standard factory branding and a wonderful story of mechanical rescue.

This bell completely omits the signature flaming grenade logo and year stamp found on most Couesnon instruments. However, it still displays the famous "94 Rue d'Angoulême" Paris address, which the company left in 1937. Based on the inscription text and historical serial number registries, this horn can be estimated to have been built between 1910 and 1915.
When this cornet arrived at my home, it was completely seized, with frozen tubing and locked pistons. A detailed inspection revealed a surprising mistake: the first and third valves (stamped with the factory tracking numbers 4 and 6) had been accidentally swapped and forced into the wrong casings.
After a thorough cleaning, safely pulling the frozen slides, returning the pistons to their correct matching chambers, and replacing the degraded water-key cork, the restoration was a total success. Today, this century-old professional model is back in very good playing condition.