Besson/B&H model history

[coolguy684]

I have come across several New Standards over the years, and I have wondered when the change was made from New Standard/Imperial to Sovereign to Prestige(as flagship models). Also, was there overlap, as in, when the globe stamp Sovs first came out, were imperials still being offered as a pro horn? Any years of manufacture would be much appreciated. Perhaps something to go along with the records of serials on Lee's Sax Worx.

[daruby]

The Sovereign first came out in 1974. New Standards/Imperials continued to be produced for some time. The New Standard/Imperial switched over to a large shank leadpipe at sometime in the late 1970's or early 1980's. The New Standard/Imperial was discontinued in favor of the smaller bell 966 (later 968) model Sovereign in the early-mid-80's. I am not sure of all of the dates, but I am sure of 1974. I know that I wanted to buy a satin silver New Standard in 1980, but when I went to the store, it had been sold. I came back 4 mos. later and a new lacquer round stamp Sovereign (1980 manufacture) found me. I kept that horn for almost 30 years.

Doug

[coolguy684]

oh i see thanks for the info. When the sov got introduced, were the imperials still being made "bumped down" to high-end intermediate, rather than full professional level? I guess a comparison could be like the yamaha 621 vs 641, can the same thing be said of 1980 imperial vs 1980 globe stamp sov?

[daruby]

Both were/are professional. It is more like the difference between the Sovereign and Prestige these days than the 641/621.

[JoCologne]

I remember some discussions in this forums some years ago, for example here.

[rrfisch]

I purchased a B&H compensating euphonium on ebay. It has SN 144010 on the second valve, 49, 50, and 51 on valves 1,2,3 respectively, and 2 stamped in the compensating valve. Engraved on the bell is a globe with flying ledger lines and a 16th note above it, BOOSEY and HAWKES , then London below it, and some additional decorative engraving surrounding all that. Based on the SN info i've seen on the internet, this would put the instrument at about a 1934 manufacture date, but it seems newer to me. Can you comment? I cannot find a model number or name anywhere on the instrument. It has a european/medium shank receiver.

[rrfisch]

Originally posted by: rrfisch I purchased a B&H compensating euphonium on ebay. It has SN 144010 on the second valve, 49, 50, and 51 on valves 1,2,3 respectively, and 2 stamped in the compensating valve. Engraved on the bell is a globe with flying ledger lines and a 16th note above it, BOOSEY and HAWKES , then London below it, and some additional decorative engraving surrounding all that. Based on the SN info i've seen on the internet, this would put the instrument at about a 1934 manufacture date, but it seems newer to me. Can you comment? I cannot find a model number or name anywhere on the instrument. It has a european/medium shank receiver.

After further inspection, the reverse side of the bell has serial number 182505 and "made in England" stamped on it lightly. This puts the manufacture of the instrument around 1952, but I'm still unsure of the model. Any ideas?

[RickF]

The mfg date of 1952 looks correct according to this reference.

As far as exact model name, hopefully someone else in the know will post. I think I've heard it as "B+H Sovereign" 'round-stamp' or 'globe stamp', but not sure.

[coolguy684]

that engraving looks awfully 'flowery' conpared to the New Standards and on. that reminds me of the boosey and co horns

[daruby]

For a 1952, that would be an Imperial...