1909 Besson Etoile Chicago Bore Bb/A Cornet (High/Low Pitch) w/ Full Kit

Manufacturer: Besson

Model: Etoile Chicago Bore Cornet

Condition: Used, Good

Year: 1909

Key: Bb/A

Bore: .465"

Bell Size/Material: 4 5/8" Yellow brass

Finish: Silver 

Case: Yes, Original case

Oil: Berp 3


Used 1909 Besson (London) Etoile Chicago Bore Bb/A high pitch/low pitch cornet in silver plate. Includes original case, tuning bits for Bb/A, tuning slides for high pitch and low pitch, lyre and original mouthpiece. This is a gorgeous piece of brass history, imported into the U.S. by Carl Fischer -- his name is also stamped on the bell, along with the star that indicates the "Etoile" model. ! We gave it a professional cleaning and precision valve alignment, and it's in good overall condition given its well over a hundred years old.  The original plating is 98% intact with just some very minor wear at the hand contact points. There are some scratches here and there as well as some imperfections in the bell and evidence of small repairs here and there. Compression is best with a heavy oil like Berp 3, but the valve action is very good and the horn plays well, with a rich cornet sound appropriate for British-style brass bands. The original mouthpiece seats well but is missing plating from the playing surface; we tested with a Wick 2B mouthpiece and found intonation and overall playability very good.