Looking for some help with a Besson Westminster

[Matt1986]

Hi Guys,
I’m looking for some help and advice regarding a Besson Westminster Satin Silver Euphonium on behalf of my mother.

We have this euphonium, which was purchased new in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk - England around 1974 and has been with my mother ever since.
The euphonium is in very good condition, all valves work well and felts are good.
The bad point is that there is a dent in the bell, which was there when it was purchased and my mother managed to purchase the instrument for a slightly better price due to the dent.

We are trying to figure out if the time has come to offer the instrument for sale, but in researching it we have drawn a bit of a blank and so wondered if anybody here could offer us some realistic advice on value?

The serial number for the item is 422059 which I believe is in around 1973 and it has Westminster stamped on the horn.
The piece is a satin silver finish and other than requiring a good clean and the dent in the horn is near immaculate. Also comes with its own case.
My mother seems to recall this was a B class instrument, and the bell measures 11’ in diameter.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Kind Regards,

Matt

[davewerden]

Good question! It's hard to be sure. First, it's a 3-valve non-compensating instrument. That keeps it out of the pro category. That's not to say it's just for kids or beginners, thought. Many adults are playing 3-valve non-comp instruments in community bands or church groups.

The configuration is side-valve straight bell. The most common horn in use like that is the Yamaha 201 (I believe that is the model), but the 201 is not quite as well made in some ways. Here is an example near the top of the price range for that horn:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-YEP2...E/282889080417

If I recall, the Westminster is their cheaper line, but it still carries some of the Besson name's magic. If you have a nice hard case for it that would help. It's an unusual horn, so there is a lot of guesswork here. My guess is you'd maybe get $1,000. $800 would be a sweet spot.

[Matt1986]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your reply!
I had found some wild variations on pricing, from roughly £3200 down to £175!
It seems like an awkward item to research as it falls into the years where Besson serial numbers are mis-allocated.
My mother used to play this instrument in a school band so I think what you’re saying makes absolute sense.

Would I be right in thinking this is a BE762?

It has a nice hard case with it in original condition, and a mouthpiece although I’m not sure what size.

Many Thanks,

Matt