Burling and Mansfield 1894 upright

[batemand]

I have inherited a Burling and Mansfield upright piano, together with the original invoice, dated 8th November 1894 (signed over a penny stamp !). The case appears to be walnut veneer. It is reasonably in tune, although some keys do not respond. There is a great deal of 'sustain' on the sound (without using the pedal). I do not have room to keep it. Can anyone advise me whether it is worth trying to get it restored and sold on ? Or is there no market for a piano like this ?
David Bateman

[Bill Kibby]

Would you be able to sell me a good colour copy or scan of the paperwork? It is difficult to find items like this. As for the piano, to quote my Home page, it's fair to say that although I am fascinated by Victorian pianos, they rarely fetch as much as 90 pounds at local auctions here in the UK, unless they have been professionally restored, indeed many fetch less than 20 pounds.

Nobody can assess the piano without being there, so you need to contact a local tuner for an estimate. Note faults are often the tip of the iceberg, but there are occasions when simple small repairs can transform the instrument in an hour.