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In these times of social-distancing for many of us I thought I'd ask for some help with my research.

I've been trying to quantify a York serial #/date reference from actual surviving instruments, since any reference material was either lost or destroyed. The name "York" has been used for both professional and student lines. Because the defining the different "York" companies has been a lot like herding cats, I've tried to take a stab at that, too.

The original York company in Grand Rapids, Michigan (York, York & Son, York & Sons, York Band Instrument Co.) produced first class instruments and was awarded at least 16 patents and built the famous Chicago Yorks. Once the company was sold to Carl Fischer the famous German York Masters were produced. After that the name was sold to Boosey and Hawkes. Currently I have 4465 records of instruments from this version of the company, 1147 of instruments that I'm sure aren't or are after the sale.

What I am looking for are details about any "York" instrument you may have access to (not those people gave me previously). Any "York" company, any kind of instrument including woodwinds. The latest version of my list is at https://www.horn-u-copia.net/Docs/York%20db.html
Please note that I do NOT publish owners or eMails.
The serial number, photo (phone photos are fine!) of the logo on the bell along with any patent embossing and anything special would be what I'm looking for. Also an over-all photo (so I can determine wrap, type).
It would be very helpful if you could send this or any questions to mwksix (atsign) verizon.net .
Thanks!

nworbekim wrote:York & Sons too?

Thanks for pointing out my omission! Any version of the "York" name (ie:York, York & Son, York & Sons, York Band Instrument Co. ...)

Of course there's also a more modern York company, that made Besson clones. Shut up shop in about 2012 or 13 or thereabouts.

olaness1 wrote:Of course there's also a more modern York company, that made Besson clones. Shut up shop in about 2012 or 13 or thereabouts.

Collecting examples of them, too in order to match serial number ranges to distinguish them.

What about York stencils? I have a Grand Rapids Band Instrument Company bell up euphonium. I may have posted something about it on horn-u-copia many years ago, possibly with pictures. I don't have it with me at the moment.

That’s a York horn, so yes, that counts, too!

Replied to the wrong post!

CCC

That's OK, it gives me a chance to thank those that have replied so far!

Hi, I have a York Schmidt-wrap F/Bb french horn. The S/N is 181527. Hope this helps. Lyle Hill
I would like to know if this might be a German import maybe (Bohm & Meinl) or a York design. The bell ingraving says York Grand Rapids, MI, but the serial no. is clearly hand ingraved. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi still looking for onfo if my Schmidt wrap French horn (s/n indicates a 1951 vintage) might be from the "York German Masters " or a pure York design. Any ifo would help. Thanks.

Does, thanks!

I sent you five separate emails with pictures attached. I assume you received them.

CCC

Did, thanks!
Working on 'em today (I hope!)

I found some pictures on my computer, but they are too big to post here; did not find any on horn-u-copia. Mpre work to do.

Put them in an Email and send them if they have serial numbers...

Check your e-mail.

BBb 6/4 3 valve

Serial number 50974
1913-1915
Finish: Satin Silver with bright accents
It has a 22.5 bell and a height of 39 inches. With the tuning donut disengaged it plays perfectly in tune at A-440. It features a long pull 3rd valve slide. The intonation is very good.

Tim Jackson wrote:BBb 6/4 3 valve

Serial number 50974
1913-1915
Finish: Satin Silver with bright accents
It has a 22.5 bell and a height of 39 inches. With the tuning donut disengaged it plays perfectly in tune at A-440. It features a long pull 3rd valve slide. The intonation is very good.

That is a gorgeous instrument. Was it restored?

Rick "the forerunner of the grand orchestral design" Denney

Drool.

Once again, thank you to all who have helped in this project so far!

I have three York Monster Eb tubas (and a GRBIC that I regrettably sold) and a BBb helicon. Will try to send photos/measurements/serials soon.