"Class A Besson & Co., Prototype Serial No. 87288" Euphonium.

[Susan Barth]

I have been given this euphonium (I think its a euphonium), but know nothing about it. I wonder if anyone could tell me how to find out its age and value.

Thank you,

Susan

[davewerden]

Welcome to the forum!

Photos might help some folks add some information, and without them the value is impossible to guess.

However, the serial number would indicate it was made around 1915-1920.

[Susan Barth]

Class A Besson & Co Prototype Serieal No. 87288 Euphonium

Welcome to the forum!

Photos might help some folks add some information, and without them the value is impossible to guess.

However, the serial number would indicate it was made around 1915-1920.

Hi Dave,

Thank you for that information. I'm so happy to have found this site while trying to figure out exactly what this instrument was. I recovered the euphonium while helping clean out a basement in an old house for a dump run. The instrument is in fairly rough shape.

I have played many instruments over the years but never any horns and have no idea whether it makes sense to restore this instrument. I will clean it up a bit and post some pictures. Thanks again for your help. Susan

[Jim Babbitt]

Susan,
Here is a single data point on an old Besson Euphonium: 4 Valve, Serial Number 81121, vintage 1903-1908, non-compensating, silver plate, intended for U.S.
It is a bit older than yours, still playable, but rough, 100+ years old.
Pulled it off E-Bay for my collection back in 2012 for around $370.
Could have been a good or a bad price at the time. I was looking for the vintage.
Tried to add pic. May not be coming through.
Jim