HELLO, I HAVE AN UPRIGHT PIANO WHICH I NEED TO GET RID OF BUT I HAVE NO IDEA IF IT HAS ANY VALUE. IT IS MADE BY J.& J. HOPKINSON, 235 REGENTS ROAD, LONDON. IT IS CALLED "THE BIJOU". INSIDE, STAMPED ON TOP OF THE WOODEN FRAME ARE THE NUMBERS 23614. IT HAS WOODEN PEDALS AND WHAT I BELIEVE ARE IVORY KEYS. IT HAS SOME NICE DECORATIVE INLAYS
AND I WOULD DESCRIBE THE EXTERIOR OF THE PIANO AS IN NEAR MINT CONDITION EXCEPT FOR THE MISSING CANDLE HOLDERS.
THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
J.& J. HOPKINSON - THE BIJOU
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J.&J. HOPKINSON THE BIJOU
The published dates of earlier Hopkinson numbers are incorrect, all I can say is that it is probably from around 1880. Bijou is just the model name, it is of no great significance, and Victorian pianos are of little value here in the UK unless they have been fully, professionally restored, but I don't know where you are.
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Re: J+J HOPKINSON THE BIJOU HELP PLEASE
If it's not been overhauled or restored recently, you are probably best to list it on Ebay. Old pianos generally find their value on there provided you put enough detail and photographs on including the internals. If it's straight strung and / or overdamped, it's not likely to make more than £100. You generally do better on Ebay than salerooms as you reach more people and you don't have to take it home again if it doesn't sell.
It might look mint on the outside but it's what's inside that counts. It sounds like it might be a wooden framed cottage piano. The term "Bijou" (French for "Gem" or more literally "Jewel") usually indicates something is small in size.
Many people removed the sconces (candle holders) with the introduction of electric lighting in the early part of the last century. Unfortunately nowadays where present, sometimes the sconces are worth more than the pianos they are attached to. The last set I had sold for £50 whereas the piano went on the woodburning stove.
It might look mint on the outside but it's what's inside that counts. It sounds like it might be a wooden framed cottage piano. The term "Bijou" (French for "Gem" or more literally "Jewel") usually indicates something is small in size.
Many people removed the sconces (candle holders) with the introduction of electric lighting in the early part of the last century. Unfortunately nowadays where present, sometimes the sconces are worth more than the pianos they are attached to. The last set I had sold for £50 whereas the piano went on the woodburning stove.