Erard - Full grand piano

[A Dudley]

I'm looking for some advice on how to obtain some more information about my parent's piano. It's a full size grand piano by Erard. I've only taken a quite look over it but it has a four digit number on it, and has the signature Carl Engel on it. Would this be the chap that made it on behalf of Erard? It's seen four children through many piano exams and I'm curious about its true beginnings. My Dad bought it for a fiver and a box of chocolates from a pub over 40 years ago. Can anyone suggest where I can go to find out more? Thanks.

[Bill Kibby]

What kind of information are you seeking? We can arrange for a researcher to look for it in the Erard Paris archives, but would need a serial number, otherwise we can't even guess the date. Is there anything on it to suggest whether it is from Erard's Paris or London factory? Engel will have been a worker at the factory. See the Datemarks link at pianogen.org

[A Dudley]

Hi there,

Thanks for the quick reply. I've been reading the historical postings and I realise I will have to have a much closer look.

The four digit number is 4151 and I believe it was made in London (largely because it says Patent Erard London on the front of it - that kind of gives it away!)

I need to have a better look when I go to visit my parents. I'll have a chat with them to see if they would like a researcher to investigate further.

Thanks,

[Bill Kibby]

Unfortunately, no archives are available for the London Erards, but the number may be from the late 1850s. Have a look at my comments at the Valuation link on pianogen.org

On Erard London grands, it is necessary to remove the action (the working parts of the notes) in order to look at the left-hand surface of it for a datemark, and this is normally a job for a trained technician.

[Barrie Heaton]

Clinkscale book 1820 1860. Lists an London Erard S/n 4140 date c1853-55 compass 7oct AA, length 213.4, Action Double esc under damper.

The piano is in the USA

Barrie,