WH Barnes piano

[Sue]

Hi,
I have a piano which is marked WH Barnes London. It has green marble keys instead of the usual black keys. The piano is a light wood with parts of it painted green, in an art deco style. Is there any way of finding out who made it, and the date it was made? Also what it's approximate worth is and if there is anyone who restores such pianos? Thanks Sue

[Bill Kibby]

It is almost certainly a Kemble piano sold by Barnes, they made them with green sharps, and some had matching green chamfered edges to the casework. There is nothing unusual about it from the point of view of restoration. If the cloth on the back of the piano is ever replaced, a paper label may be found behind it. Otherwise, there is probably a serial number inside, perhaps on the left near keyboard level. Value? Ask your tuner.

[Sue]

Thanks very much Bill, will take a closer look at it.
S

[Bill Kibby]

I should add that although the sharps may be "marbled", they are not made of marble, they are plastic. Plastics have been around since the 1860s.