Metal Side Drum (silver coloured), rope tensioned cords, no emblazoning. Whaley Royce and Company Limited Toronto stamped into side. Has rope tensioners and drag ropes. Whaley, Royce & Co. Ltd. Toronto instrument dealers and manufacturers and, until 1969, music dealers and publishers. The firm was founded in February 1888. The company occupied in succession several locations on downtown Yonge St until it moved its wholesale division to suburban Scarborough in 1975. At that time, the company ceased manufacturing instruments. It gave up its downtown location in 1976. The advertising slogan used by the company at about the turn of the century - 'Canada's Greatest Music House' - probably was justified. From the beginning, Whaley, Royce carried a stock of band instruments, pianos and organs, sheet music, and general musical merchandise; engaged in the manufacture of brass and percussion instruments and published music. Whaley, Royce claimed to have built the first cornet in Canada in June 1888 and the first flute, piccolo, and clarinet in 1895. After 1920 only brass instruments and drums were made, however, and the firm has sold mainly imported instruments under the trade name 'Imperial,' its registered name for the best of its own three lines - 'Ideal' and 'Sterling' being the other two. The repair of instruments has been an important and continuing service.