Brand directory/York
The maker’s archive

York serial numbers.

York Band Instrument Co. of Grand Rapids, Michigan built instruments from 1882 until about 1940 and is prized by collectors.

Grand Rapids, 1882.
A collector's name.
In this archive
Serial numbers & production eras · 1890–1971
Result format
Year or estimated range
Additional details
Factory & series, when known
Start with your instrument

When was it made?

Where can I find the number?
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Understanding your result
01 / Date

A year, or a range.

The record makes room for uncertainty when a precise year is unavailable.

02 / Context

A place in history.

Factory and production era appear alongside the date when supported by a source.

03 / Evidence

A traceable answer.

See the source behind a match and what still needs to be confirmed.

Serial number coverage
York brass - numeric sequence (1890-1971)
all_brass · 1890–1971 · 80 dating ranges
Compiled from 40 published sources — see the source library.
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Frequently asked
What serial numbers does this archive cover for York?

The archive currently covers 1 series and 80 dating ranges from 1890 to 1971, compiled from published maker records and reference charts. Coverage grows as new tables are verified.

Where is the serial number on a York instrument?

Serial on the valve section (2nd valve casing); early Grand Rapids instruments also carried it on the lower bell bow. No official diagram. The exact spot varies by era and instrument type — the serial number guide walks through the common locations.

What if my York serial number is not found?

Recheck the characters exactly as marked, including any letters and leading zeros. Letter-prefixed numbers often belong to student or non-domestic lines that cannot be dated from the number. Some production periods may simply not be covered yet.