Lafayette Trumpet by Couesnon Bb
The Couesnon company was started in 1827, in Château Thierry, a small city on the Marne River, 50 miles east of Paris, an area traditionally associated with the making of brass instruments. The company was purchased by the Couesnon family in 1883 and already had an outstanding reputation as a maker of fine instruments. The production included percussion, woodwinds (including double reeds), small and large brasses, and military bugles. Under the personal direction of Amedee Couesnon for 48 years, the company won many medals and awards for quality production and technical innovation. They made many horns which were imported into the United States, including many that were sold under the names of music stores and other private labels. By 1911, Couesnon had expanded to eleven factories and more than 1000 workers, meeting the needs of many performing groups and military bands. During this time the products were highly sought after and were played by many of the virtuosos at the time. Although they made virtually any musical instrument, during the 1930s they began catering to "Fanfare bands" (marching brass bands very popular at the time), and gradually became almost the only supplier of marching brass instruments in France. At this same time, prior to the war, the Couesnon trumpet factory in Paris was located right next door to the F. Besson trumpet factory, where the premiere trumpets prior to World War II were made. Curiously, the Couesnon trumpets of the time look virtually identical to the F. Besson models.
Wolseley Hornet
Wolseley Motors Ltd produced cars from 1899 to 1976. Formed around the dawn of the British motor industry, the Wolseley name has shared a history closely interwoven with two other prestigious BMC marques, Morris and Austin. By the 1930's the Wolseley Company flourished and built up an enviable reputation within the car industry. New models such as the Viper, Wasp and Hornet were unveiled in the following few years The Wolseley Hornet was introduced in 1930 in saloon guise. The car was well-built and soon offered as a rolling chassis for coachbuilders who often built sporty variations for their clients.