1907 J. W. YORK & SONS "Professional" Model #5 Silver Cornet with Case & Xtras

Description

1907 J. W. YORK & SONS "Professional" Model #5 Silver Cornet
with Case & Xtra slides
Bb/A, High and Low Pitch
A nice playing cornet kit, fully functional, with a few minor cosmetic issues.
J. W. York made some of the finest cornets of the 1900s and 1910s. The York "Professional" is highly regarded amongst vintage cornet collectors and players. (Try Googling "
York Professional Model Cornet Quality"
and check out the discussions.) The "Professional" or #5 model (see last slide for the detailed catalog page) was the more "traditional sounding" short-wrap cornet while the other major model, the Perfec-tone, was more of a cornet-trumpet hybrid.  I have one of each, and using the same mouthpiece, the Professional is a bit softer and mellower. The Professional, although shorter, is also a few ounces heavier, which may contribute to the tonal character.
This cornet plays nicely but does have some minor finish wear and some dings. The worst of it is some finish loss and solder staining around both water keys at the site of some old repairs.
Features
Medium Large bore cornet (.465")
Silver finish
Gold wash in bell
Pearl finger buttons
Plays in the keys of B-flat and A; alternate slide set for low pitch versus modern concert pitch (A=440).
Separate slides for tuning and quick-change-to-A.
Blunted nipple type bottom valve caps
Coffin style wooden case
Length 13-1/2", bell 4-1/2" dia.
Sale Includes
J. W. York & Sons Professional Model cornet, SN 15365,
1907
Wooden Case 15" x 6-1/2"x 8-1/2" H
Low pitch slide set includes 1st and 3rd valves and tuning slide
Condition (also see photos)
Brass is intact with no signs of serious deterioration. Some minor green corrosion visible within slide tubing.
Polished silver finish is in fair condition. as mentioned in the general description, the finish is particularly messy in the area of the two water keys. In each location, the messy bit is about 1-1/2" long and there is a little bit of blobby solder left there from the old repairs. The silver is also worn through in a narrow strip on the side of the leadpipe about 4 inches long (I assume the case rubs there.) Same for the bottom tips of the valve caps. Everything else looks to have full coverage.
All slides move freely.
The valve compression is so-so. There is easily detectable leakage when plugging the first valve slide and pressurizing the instrument. I would rate it 6 out of 10.  Heavy viscosity, vintage type valve oil is recommended. Valve action is good and smooth. Felts and corks are older but working.
One valve finger button has had the mother-of-pearl top replaced. The older ones are a bit yellowish compared to the whiter replacement.
The case is in pretty good shape, overall. The two latches work, but the lock does not. The box is structurally sound. Some wear-through of the leatherette covering at the edges. The lining is pretty worn and has been re-adhered in one spot.
Shipping / Returns
I will accept return of this instrument, postage paid back to me, if you are not satisfied that it is as described. Shipped UPS ground unless other arrangements are made.
About the Seller
I am not a professional musician, but have played the trumpet/cornet since 4th Grade. So I know my way around a cornet and enjoy studying their history and evolution, in addition to playing them. I hope part of what I bring to the table is a knowledgeable and critical eye to evaluating what I'm selling since you can't look at it personally. Feel free to ask any questions you may have about this sale or would like a closer look at anything I can photograph.