They were originally manufactured in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA with a special patented valve mechanism that utilised expanding, (rather than compressing), springs.   Designed and patented by a man called Alfred "Bill" Johnson, the innovation made the action very light and fast; (hence the term feather-touch).   They often also stood out from the crowd because they were not only beautiful sounding, but beautiful looking instruments, often with a nickel-silver "Kranz" tone-ring around the bell.   The added mass of the ring of harder (than brass) metal was claimed to enhance the tone of the instrument as well as the appearance.   The horns often also featured a stylish under-slung finger-ring on the third valve slide.This instrument has a Kranz tone-ring, and the under-slung finger-ring - but, unfortunately, it does not have the original delicate valve system, which, at sometime during is life, has been removed and replaced by bottom springs.   These do work perfectly effectively and the trumpet is perfectly usable, blowing freely with a rich, round sound.   It's difficult to actually age the horn from its serial number (145753), but I think is probably 1948/9.   It's virtually ding, scuff and scratch free and the polished brass shines with a vibrant reddish colour.   It was probably originally lacquered, but it's now mostly raw brass, with nickel trim.   For players.   The compression is excellent, valves smooth and slides free.   It's solidly made and is a good instrument to play.   It also looks quite stunning with the bi-metallic colouring, slanted bracing and stylish finger rings.N.B. THE LAST PHOTO IS NOT OF THIS INSTRUMENT, BUT IS OF "FEATHER-TOUCH" VALVES AS THEY WERE ORIGINALLY INSTALLED.   (I've included this for its interest/information value).For collectors.   The valve modification to this instrument had been made by a previous owner, and I bought it from the USA with this knowledge.   I also own three other York Feather Touch Master trumpets, 1932, (which must be one of the first), 1947, and 1953.   Each has a different configuration, but all have the Johnson designed valve mechanisms.   The one offered for sale here is such a good example that it had been my hope to transfer the spring mechanisms from one of my other horns into this one and to use it as a regular playing piece.   However, due to slight differences in the dimensions this has not been possible.   For a dedicated enthusiast it might still be possible to source these somewhere, or to have them manufactured, but, as I get older, I find I have less time to embark on detailed searches for American vintage trumpets.   I do hope there is another (potential) Feather-touch player / enthusiast / curator out there who does!You can find out more about the York Feather Touch Master in some "Trumpet Master" forums or on the "Hornucopia" website.   They really were (are) quite special.I'm also prepared to discuss offers for any (or all) of the other three Feather-Touch trumpets in my collection.