Victor W.H Paling & Co. piano

[Bill Kibby]

Palings are one of the biggest names in australian pianos, but we never see them over here, so I don't have the opportunity to find out dates. Valuation is always impossible without inspection.

[Bill Kibby]

If you give me the action maker's name and number, I may be able to date it.

[bec paling]

Hi,

I came across this forum by chance while searching for information about my ancestry, and thought I might be able to give you some information you wre looking for. My name is Rebecca Paling, I am a desendant of William Herny Paling. He was born in the Netherlands in 1825 and died in 1895. He sailed to Australia in 1853. He was a musician, merchant and philanthropist, and imported pianos from Europe (mainly France I think) to Australia. One person asked about the age of their instrument. One Paling Piano at the Sydney Powerhouse Museum bearing the serial number 40004, is dated to between 1867 and 1870. But the company ran until the 1970's so I'm not sure how old your particular instrument is. I hope that this information reaches you, and that it is helpful. Please feel free to reply with any other questions you have.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Paling.

[Debbie Hewitt]

Hi,

I have a "W H Paling & Co Ld" piano. In my search to find info I keep seeing refernces to "Victor W H Paling & Co". Does anyone know the difference?

Also, i was wondering where I would find the serial number on our Paling upright piano.

[Bill Kibby]

I'm sorry, we have no more access to Australian information than you do.

[samhenrynug]

Hello Debbie,

Although I am Australian and in Australia, I don't know that much about Victor W.H Palings and normal W.H Palings, but I'm pretty sure they're the same company. The serial number could be on either end of the keyboard's frame or somewhere in the piano where the hammers are (under the lid). Sorry I couldn't be any more help,

Ethan

[Basil]

It was purchased 2nd hand about15 years ago. it is a Victor W.H Paling & Co. upright Piano with what I assume is a serial number ? of 52031.

In 1925 the serial numbers started at 52000, in 1926 they started at 54700. I would assume that the piano is most likely dated circa 1925.

any background info on the Paling company

I believe Palings were sold by Beale Piano Manufacturing Company, which was established in 1893 at Trafalgar Street in Annandale, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA.

Ours was built in about 1920

You can confirm this assumption by examining the serial number which is most likely located inside the top lid. If the serial number is in the range 39800-63799 then the piano is dated 1920s. The 1930s range from 63800 to 69899.

Apparently, it's the fact that this piano is built higher than other models that marks it as an American piano. The base notes are cross-strung at an angle which is what gives it such a lovely resonant base. Of course, this could all be a right load of twaddle...but either way, we wouldn't change our Victor for quids.

If it is marked either 'Artist Model' or 'Cabinet Grand' then it is highly likely that the piano is cross strung and of a considerable height. It is true that the taller pianos produce a richer bass sound, in fact some are equivalent to that of a grand piano (when correctly tuned).

I have a "W H Paling & Co Ld" piano. In my search to find info I keep seeing refernces to "Victor W H Paling & Co". Does anyone know the difference?

Paling is a make by Beale Piano Manufacturing Company; Victor is a series within the Paling range. In Australia there use to be a number of Paling stores which only sold the Paling brand.

Also, i was wondering where I would find the serial number on our Paling upright piano.

Generally it is stamped inside the top lid on the string frame.

[jan not happy]

i have a piano the serial number is 20339 any information on when it was made and the possible value. it is dark wood and has the two candlestick holders.

[Eppinger]

A friend of mine just gave me an old W.H.Paling piano named MAXIM which I really have no idea how old it would be as no any clue I can find from any resources including the internat. Looking at the attached photo of this MAXIM piano, I am wondering if anyone can help me work out the age of this piano and where it was made (my friend told me that it was made in USA 50~60 years ago). Thanks.

[harm73]

hi everyone, i realise there isnt much info available on the w h paling & co ltd pianos, but is there any way to find out their serial number sequencing? I like everyone else, are trying to determine the age of my piano. Its serial number is 21234 with a victor patent stamp on the inside. Perhaps Basil could help out, he seems to know the serial/year date sequences?? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Cheers Harm.

[amber21]

hi I realise evryone seems to be asking the same question, but I was hoping some W.H Paling & Co Ltd expert is about to appear. I have a 'Belling' W.H Paling & Co Ltd burl walnut upright piano. My parents bought it at an auction 28 years ago. I love it and I was just hoping to find out(like everyone elso on this site) just how old it is? Its serial number is 20959
thank you

[Lofty Ridge]

I have just inherited a Victor W. H. Paling & Co Pianola. The serial number is found on an insert on the top of the iron frame 92203 and also on the cabinet under the top lid, same number with an "A" in front of it. It was purchased I think in 1934 for 202 pounds from Palings in Brisbane. I assume it was new then.
My question is about the cabinet. I have to replace some of the veneer due to damage and refinish the whole cabinet. Would anyone know what the original veneer would have been and is there any suggestions as to what finish I should put on it?

[Basil]

i have a piano the serial number is 20339 any information on when it was made and the possible value. it is dark wood and has the two candlestick holders.

The first serial number issued in 1908 was 17676; 1909 commenced at 22656. With this in mind the estimated date of the piano would be 1908.

I am not an appraiser so cannot provide a definitive price, however, similar pianos have sold for around the US $2,000 mark, of course it depends on the condition and the piano must be finely tuned. 1908 models have sold for as little as US$300-$400. A proper appraisal would need to be carried out.

[Basil]

A friend of mine just gave me an old W.H.Paling piano named MAXIM which I really have no idea how old it would be as no any clue I can find from any resources including the internat. Looking at the attached photo of this MAXIM piano, I am wondering if anyone can help me work out the age of this piano and where it was made (my friend told me that it was made in USA 50~60 years ago). Thanks.

The piano is most likely dated 1957. Serial numbers for that year ranged between 83750 and 85099.

[Basil]

... I like everyone else, are trying to determine the age of my piano. Its serial number is 21234 with a victor patent stamp on the inside.

Serial number 21234 is dated 1908.

In 1908 the serial numbers ranged between 17676 and 22655. 1909 commenced at 22656.

[Basil]

... I have a 'Belling' W.H Paling & Co Ltd burl walnut upright piano. My parents bought it at an auction 28 years ago. I love it and I was just hoping to find out(like everyone elso on this site) just how old it is? Its serial number is 20959

Serial Number 20959 is dated 1908.

[Basil]

I have just inherited a Victor W. H. Paling & Co Pianola. The serial number is found on an insert on the top of the iron frame 92203 and also on the cabinet under the top lid, same number with an "A" in front of it. It was purchased I think in 1934 for 202 pounds from Palings in Brisbane. I assume it was new then.

In 1934 the serial numbers ranged from 64800 to 64889, with 1935 commencing at 64890. The series 92080-92449 was issued in 1966.

[Basil]

...is there any way to find out their serial number sequencing?

The list below is intended as a guide only. Accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Corrections are welcome.

1905-1907: 16449-17675
1908: 17676-22655
1909: 22656-24989
1910: 24990-25756
1911: 25757-27928
1912: 27929-28092
1914-1916: 28093-34999
1917: 35000-35699
1918: 35700-27699
1919: 37700-39799
1920: 39800-41999
1921: 42000-44499
1922: 44500-46999
1923: 47000-49999
1924: 50000-51999
1925: 52000-54699
1926: 54700-57499
1927: 57500-59999
1928: 60000-62199
1929: 62200-63799
1930: 63800-64099
1931: 64100-64589
1932: 64590-64749
1933: 64750-64799
1934: 64800-64889
1935: 64890-65239
1936: 65240-65999
1937: 66000-67549
1938: 67550-68699
1939: 68700-69899
1940: 69900-69999
1941: 70000-70699
1942: 70700-70999
1943: 71000-71049
1944: 71050-71129
1945: 71130-71349
1946: 71350-71879
1947: 71880-72899
1948: 72900-73799
1949: 73800-74699
1950: 74700-75899
1951: 75900-77099
1952: 77100-78099
1953: 78100-79399
1954: 79400-80599
1955: 80600-82249
1956: 82250-83749
1957: 83750-85099
1958: 85100-85949
1959: 85950-86650
1960: 86651-89999
1961: 90000-90349
1962: 90350-90899
1963: 90900-91349
1964: 91350-91699
1965: 91700-92079
1966: 92080-92449
1967: 92450-92799
1968: 92800-93099
1969: 93100-93449
1970: 93450-94679
1975: 94680+


Index has been compiled from a variety of sources and is provided 'as is' without any warranties expressed or implied.

[Bill Kibby]

Thanks for this very useful list, but it is always unwise to rely purely on numbers for dating pianos, as the 92203 example shows. There are often several numbers inside a piano. Have a look at my Numbers page at www.pianogen.org

[evc]

We have a Kohlmann and Co. piano ("W. H. Paling and Co.Limited" written below it) with the numbers 9286 on the frame and on the side panel.

Wondering if it's worth a considerable amount to reconsider selling it off to make space for a new piano we recently purchased.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[fastpara]

Very nice find i must say. Its an australian one if I am not mistaking. I have a site where you can find the story and info behind it, leaving now but will make sure to post it within a couple of hours.
Best regards-PianoMan

[victorupright]

You can confirm this assumption by examining the serial number which is most likely located inside the top lid. If the serial number is in the range 39800-63799 then the piano is dated 1920s. The 1930s range from 63800 to 69899.

I have also just inherited a victor WH Paling & Co. Piano. I was just wondering if you know the approximate age if the serial number is 10780.

[Bill Kibby]

As you can see above, the list starts at

1905-1907: 16449-17675

so yours is possibly before 1905. However, most pianos have several numbers inside, have a look at my Numbers & Datemarks pages at pianogen.org

[MargoC]

I have read with interest numerous posts on this site re Victor WH Paling piano's. I have a Victor WH Paling & Co Ltd piano, which I have inherited from my mother, who inherited from her mother. It's serial number is 68542 and according to your serial numbers and dates would be circa late 1930's. I have receipts dating 10/5/29, 13/11/29 & 13/5/30 and a note on the 10/5/29 saying "part deposit on 2nd hand Victor Piano". Are you able to give me any further references I can followup the history of my piano. I have not been able to find many useful sites and would appreciate any further information.

Many thanks
Margo

[Bill Kibby]

Sadly, it is not usually possible to trace the life history of individual pianos, but the paperwork you have will tell more than most people ever know. I would be grateful if you would email me if you are able to supply good colour copies or scans. Your evidence seems to prove (once again_) that serial nubers are not a reliable way of dating pianos, so have a look at my Datemarks page at pianogen.org

1976 'The Music Sellers' by Peter Game, Melbourne, Hawthorne Press, 1976, is a history of Allans' company, now one of the major music publishers and instrument retailers in Australia. There is a copy of the book at State Library and although it is out of print, Allans Publishing
(<http://www.allanspublishing.com.au/>)
may be able to trace a copy. As far as I know, Allans did not manufacture pianos, but the book may offer some useful information about those who did.
1990s Palings were bought out by Allans.

[shamrock]

Hi there,

I have recently bought a Paling Victor upright approx 1914-1916. It didn't come with a stool, and now I'd like to try and find one for it, but I'm not sure of the style it would have had. Would it have come with a round adjustable stool, or a bench style stool with lift up lid?

Thanks for any advice you can give.

[Bill Kibby]

We have no way of knowing what stol the buyer chose at the time. Pianos are not often made with matching stools, the tenedency in more modern times was to polish a stool to match the colour.