B. Squire and Son

steve maishman · Post by **steve maishman** » 31 Aug 2006, 10:54

Hello! I have just inherited my mum's piano, which I learnt on 30 odd years ago. It is a B. Squire and Son upright with 23 HC stamped inside and the number K4092 on the left at the back. Any help with dating it approximately would be gratefully received! Thanks.

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 31 Aug 2006, 13:22

I'm guessing you've missed a digit or two off the K number? See the Datemarks page at the link below.

steve maishman · Post by **steve maishman** » 31 Aug 2006, 17:21

Many apologies - you're right. Closer inspection has revealed the full number to be K40928

Is this any more helpful?

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 31 Aug 2006, 19:05

This is one of the easier, more modern Squires, made by Kemble, and the number suggests 1933. I'd be interested to know if you find any datemarks from that link.

steve maishman · Post by **steve maishman** » 02 Sep 2006, 10:21

Hi,
I had a little rummage around yesterday and found quite a few things of interest.
In the wood of keys 1 & 2 was the number 29260. Under these keys was a label with:
Order number 29260
Name: Kemble
Size: 16 x 8 1/2
There was also the word "CELL" stamped at an angle and a very small, handwritten 147 just under the order number.
At the top end of the keyboard, in gold inlay, is "Mickleburgh Bristol", which I suppose is a dealer?
Screwed under one of the fittings, I found a page from an old leger book. On one side, typed at the top, was "SMART - Mr M.R.C. 15 Fitzroy Road, FISHPONDS, Bristol.
18 May 1961 HOFNER Futurama 11 guitar in blackfinish. Ł8 dn. 10/- weekly" Followed by a series of handwritten records of payment. ON the other side, some similar entries and a record that the guarantee was signed by father, RJ SMART. Nothing to do with the piano, obviously, but interesting nonetheless. There's a handwritten note "BB said wife and baby in shop. Very young." I suppose this was some contribution to their credit rating!
Thanks for your help....

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 02 Sep 2006, 13:20

Very interesting bit of history. I expect the Hofner guitar is worth many times more than the piano if it exists today.

steve maishman · Post by **steve maishman** » 02 Sep 2006, 17:51

Indeed! It did take him 2 years to pay it off......

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 05 Sep 2006, 18:07

The key label should have had a date or year on it, probably at the top righthand corner. "CELL" means the keys are covered in celluloid. Mickleburgh is still a Bristol dealer I believe, with a website. Roy Mickleburgh used to have a collection of early pianos.

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B. Squire and Son

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