RARE F. Besson MEHA 60FP “Steme Prototype” Piccolo Trumpet Kanstul USA #6135

F. Besson MEHA Model 60FP “BY STEME PROTOTYPE” 4-Valve Piccolo Trumpet – Kanstul USA – Serial #6135 – Original Factory Card

A Rare and Unusual Professional F. Besson / Kanstul Instrument

Here is an exceptionally interesting and beautifully preserved F. Besson MEHA Model 60FP, serial number 6135, manufactured in the United States by the highly respected Kanstul Musical Instruments Company.

This is not an ordinary student or intermediate piccolo trumpet. It is a rare professional-level four-valve instrument carrying the traditional F. Besson Paris-France engraving along with the distinctive and unusual banner:

“BY STEME PROTOTYPE”

The second valve casing is clearly factory marked:

F. BESSON – KANSTUL – MADE IN U.S.A.

Most importantly, this instrument includes its original factory warranty registration card, which specifically confirms:

• Model: 60FP
• Serial Number: 6135

That matching original documentation is a wonderful piece of provenance and removes any question about the exact model and serial number.

Included with the Instrument

• F. Besson MEHA Model 60FP
• Serial Number 6135
• Four piston valves
• Two different interchangeable stems/leadpipes
• Longer stem measuring approximately 5 3/8 inches
• Shorter stem measuring approximately 3 7/8 inches
• Original factory warranty registration card showing Model 60FP and Serial #6135
• Original case

The two interchangeable stems add considerable versatility and are an important part of the instrument package.

Condition

This is a remarkably attractive instrument with a beautiful, highly reflective finish. I would have listed this horn in Excellent Condition but, as is visible in the final photos, I have placed arrows showing one slight ding on top by the 3rd and 4th valves and a bit of plating deterioration etc. on the bell, facing the player. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description and show the actual condition of this rare horn.

The valve casings, tubing, bell, and overall presentation are exceptionally impressive. The horn has been carefully preserved and presents as a very high-quality professional instrument.

A Rare Opportunity

Kanstul-built F. Besson instruments have developed a strong following among brass players and collectors because of their excellent American construction and their connection to the legendary F. Besson designs.

This particular Model 60FP is especially unusual because of its four-valve configuration, interchangeable stems, original matching factory paperwork, and distinctive “BY STEME PROTOTYPE” bell engraving.

For the professional player, collector, or enthusiast looking for something genuinely different from the usual production piccolo trumpet, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully preserved F. Besson/Kanstul instrument with excellent original documentation.

Please study all photographs carefully and feel free to ask any questions before purchasing. The original warranty registration card matching Model 60FP and Serial Number 6135 will be included with the instrument.

A rare, professional-quality American-made F. Besson by Kanstul instrument — and one that is unlikely to be seen very often.