J. Esdaile & Co piano

[msimaging]

I own an piano with the branding of "J.Esdaile & Co" followed by "Iron Upright Grand". The branding also has above it "Highest Award Calcutta International Exhibition 1883-4. & Gold Medal". I need whatever information anyone can give on the origin and history of this perfect condition piano.

[Bill Kibby]

The name comes up occasionally, but all I can offer so far is...
1880 Not listed among the Pianoforte Makers in the Post Office London Directory.
1883-4 Esdaile piano received the highest award and Gold Medal at the Calcutta International Exhibition.
1886 Kelly’s Directory of the Cabinet & Furnishing Trades; Pianoforte Makers & Warehouses include John Esdaile & Co., 6 & 7 Water Lane, Great Tower Street, London EC.
1892 John Esdaile is not listed in any section in my Post Office London Directory. The Water Lane addresses were apparently offices occupied by a number of different firms, none piano makers, and none called Esdaile.
1894 Not listed.
1899 Not listed.
1911 Not listed.
1914 Not listed.
The only way forward is by inspection or photos of the piano...

[msimaging]

I have several photos of the piano, is there an e-mail addres I can send them to for further identification??

[Bill Kibby]

See below

[Kevinkc]

We also own an piano with the branding of "J.Esdaile & Co" followed by "Iron Upright Grand". The branding also has above it "Highest Award Calcutta International Exhibition 1883-4. & Gold Medal Does anybody know of its worth.

[Bill Kibby]

Nobody can guess the value or condition of a piano without inspecting it and tuning it. The only reference to this name in our many London lists is...

1886 Kelly's Directory of the Cabinet & Furnishing Trades; Pianoforte Makers & Warehouses include John Esdaile & Co., 6 & 7 Water Lane, Great Tower Street, London EC.

The reference to the medal indicates that the piano was made after the Calcutta Exhibition, and it is fair to say that antique pianos have very little value here in Britain, unless they have been professionally restored.