Hillier Piano Company, London. T. Andrews & Co

[Istana]

Please could you tell me as much as possible about the piano I have inherited with our new house in Devon, UK.
It is marked under the keylid as follows: The Hillier Piano Company, London. T. Andrews & Co, Pianoforte Warehouse, 144 High St, Guildford and at Farnham.
In the hinge section it is marked: Registered Iron Frame, Fri___ord Check Action
(The underscores are letters that are difficult to read due to wear - possibly ck). All we know is that it was played about 10-15 years ago by the previous occupants and Julian Marshall (of "Marshall Hayne" fame) gave lessons on it.
It is not in brilliant condition having one broken key but sounds O.K. (needs a tune obviously). Thank you.

[Bill Kibby]

Thomas Andrews was at 144 from at least 1886-1936, but the fact that it was described as 144a by 1911 is perhaps a clue. Which Hillier is it, E. or James? Any other information or addresses? Also,

[Istana]

Thank you for the approx. date of manufacture. I'm afraid there are no initials - the details I gave earlier are unfortunately all that is on the piano. I have taken a few of the panels off but cannot find any numbers or names anywhere else.
The design is quite basic with all corners square (no fancy frills or gentle curves except on the key lid). The case is a dark brown veneer with paler brown striations. There is some basic marquetry in the centre behind the music holder (which folds into the lid). There would appear to have been a candle holder either side of the music stand although all that remains now are the fixing holes. Is the piano any good for tuning.

[Bill Kibby]

You seem to be asking me whether the tuning pins are tight enough, but unless you are in East Anglia, I have no way of finding out, you need a tuner on the spot. See

http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-gen/

[Istana]

Sorry I should have been more specific - I meant is this brand of piano generally a good one and therefore worth spending a bit of time and attention or is it a basic beginners piano and I should continue to let the kids play it and bash it to death?

[Bill Kibby]

Although I have historical notes on James Hillier's firm, I have never seen a Hillier piano, but it is not even certain that he made them.