Besson, Gustave Auguste

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Besson, Gustave Auguste (b Paris, 1820; d Paris, 1875). Fr. maker of musical instr. Prod. a new cornet when only 18. Many inventions to improve valve-mechanism of cornet, most successful being ‘prototype system’ of construction with conical steel mandrels. Also invented db. cl., and family of ‘cornophones’ to reinforce orch. hns. Branch factory opened London 1851.