F A CRABB PIANOFORTE - HISTORY

[PHIL STODART]

Hello,

Can anyone help with the history of this Piano? :

The piano is an "Overstrung Upright Iron Grand" - 8 Octaves - non ivory keys - frame number 39296.

On the inside of the key lid is the following:

F.A.CRABB 147 Upper Kensington Lane, Vauxhall. - Pianoforte & Harmonium Makers.

The piano belonged to my Aunt, Florence Ranklin, fromerly Stodart. She stated that the piano was her mothers Emily Stodart, and it was a Stodart Piano!

Is it possible that the Stodart Piano makers made pianos for other companies to put their brand/name on?

Any information would be usefull.

Thanks Phil Stodart.

[Bill Kibby]

We heard from George Crabb some time ago, and told him that Frederick Arthur Crabb was in business from the 1890s to the 1920s, and the address was actually Kennington Lane. It is almost certainly NOT an 8-octave piano, that would be 97 notes! I have no record of the connection with Stodarts, but they were not in business anything like that late. By memory, I think they finished in the 1840s.

[MOROGON]

I may be able to shed some light on where this piano was actually purchased from. My great great grandfather, Walter F Margery, had a business at 159 Upper Kennington Lane from about 1916. He sold musical instruments and made pianos. He served his apprenticeship with the Broadwood Piano Company. 159 Upper kennington Lane used to be 147 until Henry Street, which was a few doors away, was demolished. 159 was then renumbered as 147. This eventually, became 353 kennington Lane (it lost the upper) as it is at present. I think my great great grandfather took over the premises when FA Crabb moved out. I can remember as a child seeing several pianos stored in the cellar with various names. He lived at the premises with his wife and my mother,3 aunts and myself. It was very crowded and the kitchen was a gas cooker on the landing at the top of the stairs. The water had to be fetched from a tap on the next landing down and we had an outside toilet. The piano mentioned could have been bought from stock left by FA Crabb when my gt gt grandfather took over.

[Bill Kibby]

Does Walter connect with Edward & William Margery, who were pianoforte key makers? Or with Seymour & Margery?

1914 Music Trades Directory lists W. Margery, 159 Upper Kennington Lane S.E. - Small goods (pianoforte) Hammer coverers.

[MOROGON]

William was Walter's second name and Edward, who was also involved in the business, was his brother. I am not aware of the Seymour connection although, There was a father Seymour, the vicar of St Peter's church across the road. Walter used to tune his organ and the school piano. My family all went to school there from the late 19 century. He was very well known in my family.I attended there myself in the 1950's. Piano mMking went back to the early 1800's in the Margery family.

[Bill Kibby]

Thanks. I thought Edward's brother was William G. Keep in touch with the Piano History Centre, in case anything turns up that is useful to you.

[MOROGON]

I Must apologise for creating so much confusion. Walter William was my Gt grandfather (born 1876) and not Gt Gt. His father was William George. (born 1842) He was my Gt Gt grandfather. William George (born 1878) and Walter were brothers. Edward was the son of James Edward Margery. My Gt Gt Gt grandfather. James was born between 1818 and 1820. His son, Edward was born about 1845. They were all involved in the piano business in one way or another. I am not sure if I have made it any less confusing but I hope it helps.

[Bill Kibby]

Confusion is the norm in family history, we have Jack Johnsons on both sides, and Williams to contend with, plus the occasional Smith, so at least Margery is more unusual.