Gautrot Breveté
Label:
Gautrot Breveté
S.G.D.G.
PARIS
G. (anchor) A.
------------
ALTONAGA HERMANOS
MANILA
Model:
Cor d'Harmonie
Serial Number:
none
Date of Manufacture:
ca. 1890
Key(s):
no original crooks 
Valves:
 3 Perinet
Bore:
11.6 mm.
Bell Flare:
gusset
Bell Throat:
approx. 9.5 cm.
Bell Diameter:
 28.1 cm.
Base Metal:
brass
Finish:
raw brass 
The firm Gautrot aîné was founded in 1845 by Pierre Louis Gautrot.  By 1855 it had grown to a workforce of over 300 in Paris producing 20,000 brass, woodwind  and string instruments, mostly for export.  In 1867 it was reported that about 24,000 brass instruments were produced.   From the start the firm specialized in 'pacotille' (cheaper quality) brass instruments lower in price than the competition, although it also produced higher quality instruments as well.  In 1882 the firm  was taken over by son-in-law, A.A. Couesnon who began marketing instruments under his own name and trade marks as well as those of  Gautrot.
Click for valve detail

The label indicates this horn was apparently intended for export to the Philippines under contract with Altanaga Hermanos (Altanaga brothers) in Manila.

EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE DE PARIS
1889
MEDAILLE D'OR
Gautrot Breveté
S.G.D.G.
PARIS
G. (anchor) A.
------------
ALTONAGA HERMANOS
MANILA

"Breveté" indicates that the design of this horn incorporates one or more patents claimed by Gautrot.  "S.G.D.G." (Sans garantie du Gouvernement) is a disclaimer required by the government of France stating that it does not guarantee enforcement of the claimed patent. Gautrot aîné claimed many brass instrument patents, especially in valve design.

The anchor and letters G and A within the oval cartouche was one of the original trade marks of Gautrot aîné.  The bell is also stamped with the medaille d'or of the Paris Exposition of 1889, a date which implies this horn  was made by Couesnon. 

There is also a tiny happy face with sun rays stamped on the second valve case which is similar to Philippine flag design.  A letter M is stamped on the crook receiver for no apparent reason.

This catalog photo shows a horn of the same wrap as the Gautrot Breveté.
 

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