1960 Besson Model 180 New Standard 3+1 (Frosted Silver/Gold Bell)

[Shinn]

SN 314008
Frosted silver finish with bright silver highlights
Gold-washed bell
Original Besson 10 mouthpiece
Original Besson alligator print hard case
Purchased from original owner
New springs, spring dampeners, spacers, felts, and corks
Extremely fine condition on all accounts

ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD (FACEBOOK)

Price is $2,500 or best offer
Shipping limited to 48 contiguous states and at buyer’s cost

[highpitch]

Do you think this horn has been restored? Looks pretty good for it's age.

D

[iMav]

Do you think this horn has been restored? Looks pretty good for it's age.

I’m guessing he knows everything about it…being the second owner.

[Shinn]

ALL ORIGINAL - with the exception of the springs, felts, spacers, and corks.

The condition and fit of the valves/pistons is what astounded me when I got it - immaculate!

The condition of the case is also indicative of the care given this euphonium.

Here are a couple pages from a period Besson catalogue describing the Model 180.

[bopeuph]

I've never seen a horn like this before, and it's a beautiful representative of the model!

[highpitch]

I had to lean on Dan Oberloh pretty hard to Gold wash my NS bell, as he said it never happened at the factory.

Hmmm.

[Shinn]

I had to lean on Dan Oberloh pretty hard to Gold wash my NS bell, as he said it never happened at the factory.

Hmmm.

I have only seen three (3) Besson New Standards with gold wash bells - all bell forward. Here are pictures of the other Model 180 that was advertised for sale in 2020 - good condition but did not compare to the euphonium I am selling.

And here is a link to a 3-valve compensating Besson Model 175 advertised in 2017 on the Forum:
http://www.dwerden.com/forum/showthr...l#.ZBWxX2QpAWM

[daruby]

I played a 3 valve bell front, satin silver and gold wash bell. It was a sample designed to match our Besson sousaphones.

[highpitch]

I hope Dan reads this forum.

Gold wash is really pretty on a silver horn.

D

[tjjc]

I'm curious as to how this horn plays relative to the fixed-bell Besson 181/New Standard/767 instruments. I once owned a Besson 3-valve compensating horn with an adjustable bell (Model 175 I think) and liked it very much. Lighter sound but projected very well, and fewer intonation quirks than Besson 4-valve compensating horns.