I am interested in the estimated value and potential buyers. There is additional engraving on the trumpet. I have an Antoine Courtois trumpet, serial number 4383 in good condition.

I found no examples for cornet so they are very hard to determine the age. There are so few of the last two that many more examples are needed to determine what number is close to 1930. The lowest serial numbers I have found with this change are #2650 for trumpet (bass, 8thphoto), #3738 for flugelhorn, and #5795 for trombone (bottom photo). This is especially true of the later years, as there are reports of serial numbers up to 141,000, yet the only reference point we have is #92,000 in 1947 (and who knows how accurate that data point is?) Serial Numbers Dating a French Besson Meha can be a real crapshoot, given the poor recordkeeping that occurred during and after World War II. The prewar Mehas (approximately serial number 90,000 and prior) are considered more collectible, although both prewar and postwar are eagarly sought after from a playing perspective. The original French Mehas are classified in two eras - prewar and postwar. There were apparently three different models: 'Brevete” Meha, Meha without the Brevete designation. Unfortunately they were out of production. These original French Besson trumpets are now collectors items, and command high prices. The Besson Meha 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. The Besson Brevete 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. Most modern trumpets are in fact close copies or clones of early 20th century Besson instruments. Bach trumpets were inspired (or copied) from early Besson trumpets, and most modern trumpets closely follow the same pattern. 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. The Besson trumpets of the early 20th century were the first truly modern trumpets. It's amazing that this horn has survived all these years. Valves have little compression, but the action on the valves and slides is perfect. This is a player! The lead pipe is clean and true, and my mouthpiece seats in the receiver perfectly. The little Besson stamp on the 2nd valve is the only engraving that is a little undecipherable. Most of the engraving is sharp and clear. 460 No dents dings or trauma.Worn Lacquer is about 60%. Besson Brevete S/N 102616 Circa 1949 ML bore.

French besson serial numbers