A More Accurate Serial Number List
Any attempt to synthesize a larger document from a small smattering of facts always leaves accuracy open to question. The suggested serial number list is based on my personal interpretation of the information gathered. This list, while far less detailed, uses only those aspects of the research which I felt were most likely to be accurate. All of the serial number ranges except for the first are approximations.
Serial Numbers Comments
- 0 - 8497 Made prior to 1903
- 8500 - 57,000 Made between 1903 and 1913
- 57,000 - 112,000 Made between 1913-1938
- 112,000-180,000 Made between 1938-1953
- The "Professional" model cornet would have been made after ca. 1903.
- The valve trombone would have been made after ca. 1901.
- The "Al-Tru" model cornet would have been made after ca. 1913.
- Instruments bearing the signature "York Band Instrument Company" would have been made after ca. 1926.
Additionally, there are at least two patent dates that can be found on York instruments. Obviously, instruments bearing these dates would not have been made prior to the patent date shown on the instrument:
- July 12, 1910 - (appears frequently with a union label) Patent is for a HP/LP conversion mechanism on brasses.
- December 8, 1914 - saxophones, patent unknown
©1996 by John J. Swain
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