J. W. York & Sons
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Bb/A Perfec-tone model 95 cornet
#46837 c.1916

Model: 95 Perfec-tone
Key: Bb/A
Length: 16.25 "
Bell: 4.75"
Bore: 0.468"
Finish: newer satin silver and gold plating
Accessories: original case, HP & LP tuning slide, wiper rod, & music holder / added Crean mpc

Original cost in 1916 = $78.75 [$2,300 in 2025]

I bought my first vintage cornet at a yard sale back around 1995 (a York Perfec-tone!) and that started my interest in collecting old cornets and trumpets. Back then all I had was local flea markets, yard sales, and antique shops, so very few instruments were found. The internet changed all that and brought the world to my doorstep!

With the cost of professional repairs exceeding the value of most instruments combined with my love of restoration, I decided to buy my own tools and learn repair on any cheap horn I could find.

That cornet was sold off years ago when I initially downsized the collection and I now regret doing that. When this restored example showed up for sale in 2025, I quickly bought it up. No restoration was needed besides straightening the thumb control on the main tuning slide and aligning the valves.

This came with all the listed accessories except for the mouthpieces.

With added Crean model mouthpiece and restored case.

1910 Catalog Image

1916 Catalog Page

Mouthpieces available in 1916.