H. Ward, London

[tfl]

Can anyone tell me anything about this maker? Thanks

[Bill Kibby]

You are in my old hunting grounds, I might have tuned this one at some time. Henry Ward was around from 1854 to at least 1899, but apparently gone by 1911. I used to tune one around your area which had the numbers 13,999 & 2,508, keys signed 5-15-90. See Datemarks at pianogen.org

[tfl]

Thanks for the information. I will certainly follow your advice on datemarks. The piano was bought by my grandmother from a dealer in Kettering in 1921 for 45 guineas, plus a guinea for the stool. I still have the original bill, and the item description rather oddly starts "July 1917" - so I'm not sure whether this is mean to be the date of manufacture.

[Bill Kibby]

Is there any chance I could buy a good copy or scan of the receipt? If so, please email me.

[tfl]

Happy to provide either as a gift - which would you prefer?

By the way, looking at your website, I see you offer repairs. Would you go as far as N E London? I'm not aware of any major problems, and I'm thinking of a regulation approach, plus maybe a refurb job on the case (faded rather than damaged)

[Bill Kibby]

Thank you, scans have the capability of better quality, but it depends on the person who is scanning! We have occasional trips near Woodford, maybe a couple of times a year.