John Broadwood

j_m74 · Post by **j_m74** » 04 Feb 2007, 23:47

My wife and I recently purchased a John Broadman (London) Grand Piano. It measures roughly 7'3" long and 4'6" wide with Rosewood wood and Ivory keys. I'm not too sure about pianos myself, so I don't know how many octaves/what kind of compass and such it has. The serial number that was found within the lid is " 2859 W&G ". We are told it is dated back to the 1860's, but I am unsure of how to prove this. I understand Broadwood & Sons, Ltd. has a website to help identify and provide the history or their pianos, but I don't want to spend the 50 pounds, when all we are looking for is a date. Does anyone know of a seatchable database or some type of catalog that can be utilized for this? Thanks!

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 05 Feb 2007, 12:17

I cannot stress too strongly the need to spell the name correctly, otherwise you have no hope of getting information on the net! "W&G" means the piano was sold by Waring & Gillow, London, although if you search for it on the net, you'll get lots of stuff about TV's "Will & Grace". You will have to find the proper serial number, probably inside the top, but see the Numbers link at pianogen.org then email me, ideally with photos for cross-reference. Donations welcome!