J.B Cramer Upright Piano

[mbrosnan]

Hi,

I am based in Ireland and have just acquired a piano (free)from a friend. I don't know anything about pianos and would like to have it restored for my children to use, but would like some information about it before I make my final decision. Underneath the cover on the keys there is a name plate which says J.B Cramer & Co. Liverpool. Inside the piano there appears to be some kind of ink stamp on the wood which says J.B. Cramer Liverpool 88463 and on the side panel is another number burned into it - 2017. I have read the information about dates on keys, but have no idea how to take out a key to see if there is a date on it. It is made of lovely wood (sorry my camera is broken - so can't post a picture) - a reddish wood with a grain something like a watermark affect. The outside looks in good repair. All parts seem to be there - although the some of the keys do not appear to work. When I press each key and look inside at the same time, there doesnt appear to be anything missing. The keys are very yellow and almost worn looking. Any information would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

[Bill Kibby]

When I asked Cramers in London many years ago, they were unaware of any connection with the Liverpool firm, and had no archive material, just one catalogue from the twenties, which they kindly copied for me. The published dates of Cramer (London) numbers are not entirely reliable anyway, and we have no reason to think they will apply to the Liverpool pianos. To look for the datemarks, you would need to remove all the front panels from the piano, and then take out the fall (keyboard lid) and the "hollow" to which it is attached. This should give you access to the keys, but it is probably safer to ask your tuner to look. He or she can also advise you about restoration.

[mbrosnan]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for your reply. I am going to have a person come look at it over the next few months and see what he says. If it can be/worth restoring - I will do it over the coming couple of years as my girls are only 4.5 years old. I would love to learn it myself as well.

Thanks again for your help.