This beautiful little alto was made by James Warren York of Grand Rapids Michigan.  He first worked for the Boston Musical Instrument Manufactory and moved to Grand Rapids in 1882 and opened his own instrument manufacturing company - making a full line of brass instruments both under his own name and propriatary brand names.   York participated in two partnerships: Smith & York in 1883 and York & Holton in 1885. In 1884 the company was known as  J.W. York and Company. In recogfnition of his infant son Charkes E he renamed the company York & Son in 1887. He again changed the name to York & Sons in 1898 to include his other son, Frank W.  Both sons were active with company until 1913. This instrument, numbered 11139, despite its age still plays beautifully and the silver plate is nearly 100%.