Bansall & Sons London

[puzzle25]

Hi, I have recently purchased a Bansall & Sons London upright piano. I believe it is made from walnut and has a decorative gold pattern on the front. There is a plate which has the name A Fairey & Son, Kings Cross, London Est 1892 situated under the lid which covers the keys. On the first 2 keys I found a number 7557 and on the top side frame on the left hand side I found a number of 34860. I know nothing of pianos and don't know if the numbers mean anything. Can anyone tell me any history on this type of piano, age etc and the name of A. Fairey who are they ?? I brought the piano as it was very cheap and in excellent condition, it looks gorgeous in my hall way, I love it.

[Bill Kibby]

Fairey was a dealer from at least 1892 to the 1950s, I have no evidence they made pianos. Bansall was a well-known maker in the trade, but the majority of his pianos were supplied wholesale to dealers, and fitted with other names. The number suggests that it was made in 1902. You ask for history on this type of piano, but nothing in your message tells me what type it is.

[GracieF]

Just found this posting from puzzle25 about a piano from A. Fairey & Son. Amos Fairey (1848-1922) set up his business at first selling harmoniums, but later sold pianos and other instruments. He was not a maker, but a dealer. Amos came originally from Huntingdonshire, and the business passed down the family through his son, also Amos, down to the present day owners, still of the same family. I'm from a branch of this family. puzzle25, if you want to know more about the family, let me know. Glad you like the piano.

[Bill Kibby]

I am always interested to hear from descendants of piano makers.