Paris, France
Western Europe

Silver
Length: 13 inches w/o mpc
ca. 1880’s

Engraved on bell:  Flower and leaf designs and crest with two lions on crown / F. Besson Brevetee 198 Euston Road London (5-point star) Louis Schreiber Sole Agent U. States  /  25 (2 circle crests) of Honour Serial Number 12116 P.   Also includes three tuning pipes, and original mouthpiece. 

Echo bell cornets were made in the late 19th century until the immediate post-WW1 era.  They consisted of a fourth piston valve, and a secon bell, which tapered in the opposite direction of the main bell.  When the airflow was redirected to the second bell (by depressing the fourth valve) a muted effect was achieved, much like the sound produced when using a metal Harmon-style mute.  A few of the echo bells were ‘attachment’ which were removable, so the horn could be held and played conventionally.  But the fourth valve was, on must examples, a permanent part of the valve cluster itself.  Check VintageCornets.com for further information/