J. Seabrook, Ponders End

[fiddleagedman]

Hello everyone. I'm pleased to have found this forum and glad to be here.

I have an antique piano that I'd like to find some history on if it's at all possible. The label on the underside of the cover for the keys(not sure of it's technical name) reads "J. Seabrook" with "Ponders End" right underneath. And on the inner face just above the keys, it reads, "Front Escapement Check Action". This piano is equipped with two aged brass candle sconces, so I'm guessing the piano is at least older than electricity. Just a guess. It also has some beautifull wood inlay work all over the front.

As for the condition, it's not too bad. It can't be played because of one or two dead keys and I'm sure it would have to be restrung, and has few, yet some blemishes. At this time, I'm not sure if I would want to sell it. I'm more interested in finding out if it has an interesting history. It seams like a lot of trouble to do all that lovely inlay work on a cheap piano, but I guess it could happen. Does anyone know how I can find out more info on it and if I can figure out how to post a pic or two of it, I will.

Thanks, Jeremy

[Bill Kibby]

Sconces were used in some pianos from at least the 1820s to the 1920s. The decorative work that seems exceptional to our modern eyes was commonplace a century ago, and I have tuned several Seabrook pianos from that sort of period, including piano #32,044, which is dated 1905 on the keys. See pianogen.org

[fiddleagedman]

Thanks Bill, for that quick response. At least now I know someone who has heard of a Seabrook piano. I did look for a serial number or makers mark, but never found one. I guess I need to look at the keys for some more info. Will I have to remove a key to find that? I see that you have an email posted. Would it be ok to send you a photo or three of this piano? I'd love to hear if you have seen more just like it or if it is unique. I had one piano tuner tell me it could not be tuned and it was just something pretty to look at. I'd like to think that it could be restored, but who knows?

[Bill Kibby]

pianogen.org tells you where to look for datemarks, serial numbers are unlikely to help, apart from the one reference point I mentioned. By all means email photos to me. When the tuning pins get loose, that is usually the point where the cost of repair exceeds the value of the piano.