Here's a listing of all the early Couesnon model names, from "deluxe model" to "standard model", modifying the New Langwill Index to fit reality:

Modele Monopole ("elaborately" engraved)
Opera (Series HN)
Armee (Series BN) or FourMsseursDeL'Armee
Armee (Series GNM)
National (Series BO)
Universel (Series CGO)
and Modele SO (or Series SO)
(some models may be unmarked)

I don't have an exact idea, because I don't have enough examples, but it may also be the case that the "lower" models had dual-octave key and lacked pearl keytouches after 1913.

I am not sure when Couesnon switched from split-bell-keys to left-hand-bell keys. It's even possible that there was a switch only on the upper models, or upper models were switched first.

According to the New Langwill index, the date for these horns is found by looking at the number in the "grenade" ("pineapple") on the bell, so, e.g., "8" would mean "made in 1908".

The main reason I call these "1900" models: a lot of them have "hidden" serial numbers (under a key, or some such), rather than on the bell, but you can always see an engraving on the bell that says (translated), "Universal Exhibition of Paris, 1900" -- and it's a lot easier than remembering the Series names.

These horns have a very sweet sound -- I owned a "1900" bari -- but a lot are high pitch horns (Couesnons aren't labelled LP or HP.)

This is the only other model I know of to use bevelled tone holes. The other is Martin -- and they're significantly different.

Finally, a major note: post-1937 have a different label and address on the bell: "Couesnon SA, 105 rue Lafayette"

Again, after Couesnon was reformed in 1931, there was a slight gap in sax manufacture (it may be that I just haven't seen any horns from about 1931 to 1940). After this gap, these art deco horns appeared. Bevelled tone holes gave way to rolled tone holes. Left hand bell keys became right hand bell keys. Double-socket necks are also introduced.

Note that these horns have a bit different serial number structure. It's probable that either when Couesnon was incorporated or when they moved to their new facility that their serial numbers restarted at 1.

The construction of these saxophones parallels only one other French manufacturer: SML.

This series is marked by slight keywork design changes and different engraving.

There is no serial number chart extant for Couesnon. I do, however, find it difficult to believe that they produced saxophones after 1980, as their construction is far inferior to the Buffet SuperDynaction "transitional" models or S1, the Dolnet M70 or the Selmer Mark VII/S80.

However, I put their production end date so late because of Couesnon's 1976 saxophone neck patent (FR2277393), which is demonstrated on a Monopole neck.

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