J.W. York & Sons ML 1916

Up for sale is a professional-grade piece of American brass history. This trumpet, Serial #52557, was manufactured in Grand Rapids, MI, circa 1916. It features the iconic "York Shield" bell engraving, a mark of quality from York’s peak era before the company transition in 1926.

Performance & Specs

• Bore Size: Stamped ML (Medium Large), offering a versatile, warm, and broad "Grand Rapids" tone that York is legendary for.

• Valves: need some work

• Slides: All slides are present; the tuning slide shows a beautiful vintage patina.

• Aesthetics: This horn wears its history proudly. It features an honest, "player’s" patina with typical lacquer wear for a 110-year-old instrument. No major structural dents.

Collector’s Value

This is not a modern mass-produced horn. It is a genuine "Bix-era" instrument, perfect for a jazz player looking for an authentic early 20th-century sound or a collector of Grand Rapids brass.

Includes:

• Original York-Branded Hard Case: Includes the rare gold-tone York logo plate.

• Vintage Pedigree: A true survivor from the golden age of American instrument making.