challen grand piano

[cooker]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I recently purchased a second hand grand piano challen and I am trying to work out the history on this piano. It does not have ivory keys, I cannot find a serial number on it and wonder if the frame has been resprayed at some point. It has very old butterfly screws. An emblem on the metal fram states "by royal appointment" and on the lid over the keys "C. Bruce & Co, Aberdeen"

Then on the bridge "Hurrburger Ld".

It is sadly in need of work (which is been slowly done) a good clean but in spite of this still has a great sound with quick keys.

Thank you for any information. I am curious about the history. I believe it was purchased from an elderly couple moving to a nursing home and that they "loved" the piano and were reluctant to sell it. They had let it get very dusty.

Cheers

Robyn

[Bill Kibby]

The name Herrburger would be the maker of the action, and it would normally be either Herrburger Schwander, or Herrburger Brooks Ltd. The latter would suggest a date after 1919. Challen did have a Royal Appointment. Bruce & Co. were retailers, but I do not have any dates for them ready on computer, but I think that would be after 1911. There is no reason why the keys should be ivory, plastics have been available since the 1860s. Serial numbers, or at least the last 3 digits, are often imprinted on removable parts of the case, such as the blocks at the ends of the keyboard, or the music desk.