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Hey I've got that same Quoizel table lamp and the floor standing version as well. I've got a trombone that was hanging on a hook from the ceiling and crashed into the marble floor when the cat jumped off a dresser after being chased by the dog through the house. Just missed hitting a tuba in a floor stand. Not as smashed as yours but Lee S.rolled the bell out and it looks pretty good now. Hope your bell can be salvaged.

practicing some Wagner?

Unfortunately it's mine Joe. I pride myself on not doing stupid things. But every once in a while you just blow it. Long story short, I was late to a rehearsal, ran out of my house without my car keys. Couldn't get the lift gate open without the keys so I put the horn down, ran back in the house for the keys. I looked at the clock on the way out then just jumped in the car and backed over the horn. I almost threw up on the driveway. Damn stupid thing to do!

I wish I could, and I may yet, but if I can get it fixed locally I will. Time is a real issue. I'll know by the end of the week which direction I have to go.

Might play a little flat...

(sorry)

Don't feel too bad about it. I know of a somewhat prominent teacher who once found himself in a similar situation, and backed over the horn. A Yorkbrunner. It turned out great, so I'm sure yours can be salvaged.

I remember reading an account of where Tommy Johnson's tuba got backed over by Bud Brisbois after a Hollywood Bowl Concert.
ScottM

Any news about your bell Al?
Sometimes instruments that has been through such accidents plays better than before. Here is one picture of my bell, that was later doctored to be one of the best I have, after transportation over the world some years ago:

I just wanted everyone to know that I am now the proud owner of a one of a kind Besson 943R with a hand hammered bell. It may not be as pretty as it was but it plays just as well.
You can't fix stupid, but here is proof that you can fix stupid's handiwork, and in time for my rehearsal Monday night!

Actually I think it has a lovely artisanal quality. Chick magnet, I predict. Did it have to be relacquered?

That's the same bell?! Who fixed it, it looks great!

That turned out nicely. Was Besson known as a maker of quality trombones or is yours a rare example? I am curious as I've never seen or played one.

I was first introduced to the Besson trombones in the late 90's by a member of a Salvation Army Band who have been using these for years. Besson was the first company to embrace the Hagman valves and that's what really convinced me to buy one. I think they are as free blowing as any and the action is shorter and quicker. The red brass bell gives a really warm sound and is very soft brass which helped in the resurrection just completed. I would have preferred to have bloke do the work because he has done some of this type stuff for me before with astounding results, but time constraints kept me in the Atlanta area. Kevin Bowen at North Georgia Horn Works did the work. Not perfect but very acceptable and very quick. Kevin does good work.