Chas Stiles Piano

Fabregas · Post by **Fabregas** » 13 Jul 2008, 20:14

I have today been given an old upright piano in need of much attention! It works but is in need of tuning and general repairs to make it look nice again. Before I start paying out on repairs can anyone update me on the history of it, it is marked as Chas Stiles and Co, London. It has the numbers 12883 and 91754 marked on the inside. The gold writing on the front appears to be the name H.Bord. Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks.

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 14 Jul 2008, 07:24

Bill Kibby over in the History section is probably the person to ask, but basically you have a small French piano imported by Chas. Stiles (of Southampton Row, London I think) and made by A. Bord of Paris.

Charming little pianos, but often pretty useless in this day and age owing to a non-standard depth of touch (the distance the key drops when you play it) and a strong possibility that it's only semi tuneable. Not ideal for anyone young to learn on.

Get a tuner to check out the condition and advise you.

Fabregas · Post by **Fabregas** » 14 Jul 2008, 13:11

Thank you for this information. Both my young children are keen to learn to play it so I may look around for something more suitable. Is there anything in particular I should look for in a piano that is best suited for a 7 and 10 year old.

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 14 Jul 2008, 22:31

The dates published for Anton Bord's pianos are not reliable, but could suggest the 1860s or 1896 depending on which is the right number. Either way, Victorian pianos are not highly valued. There is no magic answer to your question, you need a piano which works well and can be tuned. Always have a qualified tuner check an old piano before you buy. I can help if you are in East Anglia.

RichardBlank · Post by **RichardBlank** » 16 Jul 2008, 16:31

If I had a chance to pick one up cheap and restore it, would that be qa good investment?

Thanks.

Richard

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Post by **Bill Kibby** » 16 Jul 2008, 18:47

Can't speak for Costa Rica, it wouldn't be if it was over here.

RichardBlank · Post by **RichardBlank** » 16 Jul 2008, 19:31

Mr.Kibby,

Thank you for the reply.

I found one at an estate sale in an old mansion of one of the coffee plantation families. It looked like a gem, yet, I agree that there may not be a market here for that. Still, it might look good in my living room. A touch of class.

Richard

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