Blankenstein

[Barrie Heaton]

They are listed in Pierce for London and Berlin However, there are no serial numbers listed Bill may have some info on them You could also try the German piano page http://www.pianonews.de send
them an email they do respond to English emails

Barrie,

[Bill Kibby]

Blankenstein numbers are not reliable, because there are three sets, and they can be very confusing. Rough dates:
1880 ----------------- 12,400
1890 ----------------- 19,000
1901 12,000 --------- 27,900 ------- 5,400
1906 16,000
1914 ---------- "Over 30,000 sold"
1920 23,000
1930 29,000 ---------------------- 13,000?

Because there are three sets, these later numbers can easily be confused with earlier ones, but the middle set seems to be their own idea of the proper serial number, judging by the statement in 1914 that they had sold over 30,000. I can supply a booklet on Blankenstein for 5 pounds via pianogen.org and this is probably more information than you will find from any other single source! See also the "Numbers" and "Datemarks" items there.

[Bill Kibby]

They also claimed to have addresses in London Paris & Berlin, but I have only found the London information. They made transposing pianos, and one instrument was said to have been made for the Franco-Prussian Exhibition, but I cannot find any trace of this event so far.