Kirkman & Son

Curious Opportunist · Post by **Curious Opportunist** » 25 Jul 2008, 15:17

We've recently bought a piano in South Africa. I've been searching the net, but don't find much information or pictures on Kirkman & Son Pianos.
This is the information found on the piano itself:
Kirkman & Son Overstrung Cottage 35402.
Could anybody PLEASE help me with interesting information or links. I think I've almost been everywhere.
The piano is need for restoration. Should we restore it?

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 25 Jul 2008, 17:05

I can't advise you about what needs doing without a trip to South Africa. The published dates of Kirkman numbers are not reliable.

Curious Opportunist · Post by **Curious Opportunist** » 26 Jul 2008, 22:19

Thank You for your response, it is much appreciated.
I will mail you some photo's during the week.

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 29 Jul 2008, 18:16

I'm sorry, I don't know what gave me the idea it was 1924, the number suggests 1882, and this is probably about right. The awful legs are a modern addition, it would have had hexagonal tapering legs with trailing castors, typical of cottage pianos from the 1840s to the 1880s, but those can so easily get broken because they are not attached to the bottom of the case.