Brass Trumpet and case by Besson & Co. (London, England) “prototype” c1934-35; mother of pearl key caps. Marked as a “Prototype, ” “Class A, ” and “British Throughout”, featuring an engraving indicating the sole agent as Wm. Costello in New York, U. Maker: Besson & Co. Costello, New York, U. Markings visible: “Class A”, “Prototype”, “British Throughout”. Based on the official Besson London production archives, the serial number 128,526 dates this instrument to approximately 1933 or 1934. During the early 1930s, Besson London serial numbers crossed the 124,000 threshold. This matches the era when William “Wm” Costello was a highly prominent brass specialist and trumpet instructor based in New York, famously known for his Costello Embouchure Technique. He imported and served as the sole U. Distribution agent for premier Besson London instruments.
