W. G. Eavestaff console piano?

[spyderman]

I recently purchased a W. G. Eavestaff console piano serial number 11453. It is in good condition and appears to have all original parts including the candle holders. Could anyone give me an estimate as to when this piano was made?

[Bill Kibby]

I have said on occasions that the Eavestaff Minipiano numbers seem to run at a thousand per year from 1934, but this is not the case, because #10369, which is in our Piano History Centre, was sold secondhand in 1939, so some of the estimates below will have to be revised. This probably puts your piano between 1934 and 1939. However, Console Piano is not an English term, and it may not be a Minipiano. Usually, Console pianos are regarded as having the action in front of the strings, and tuning pins in the normal place, like Pape's Piano Console of 1839. Eavestaff's 1934 Minipiano has the action around the back, and tuning pins under the keyboard. Is there any other wording on it?

[spyderman]

The only markings or labels are as follows. W.G. Eavestaff, 14. Berners St. Oxford St. London is the label above the keys. Under the top to the far left W.G. Eavestaff is stamped. In the center the number 11453 is stamped and to the far right London is stamped. I am in the United States and have no idea when it came here. Is there anything else I need to look for?

[Bill Kibby]

I would expect the name to be W.G. Eavestaff & Sons Ltd., the shorter name suggests a date much earlier than the minipiano range. The published dates of their numbers are misleading, and there are several sequences in the pianos.

Is this a small instrument, no higher than the keyboard?

Is there a flap under the keyboard containing the tuning pins, with a number at the left end?

Is the back panel a wooden framework screwed on, with cloth or mesh stretched across it?

[spyderman]

The actual size of the piano is 42" high, 50" wide and 21" deep. Currently the back is open, but I will try to determine if there was a frame or backing attached when I get home this afternoon.
Thank you for your help.

[Bill Kibby]

I think I was unduly distracted by the term "console piano", this is probably too tall for a console or a minipiano, it sounds like just an ordinary upright piano. The backs of the original minipianos would have the action - the working parts of the notes, other types would have just the rear view of the soundboard. This, together with the name and number, suggests that it might be from around 1890.

Can you post photos here, or email them to me?