History and Date of Eavestaff Upright Piano

[peterdunlop]

Hi

We have recently been given an Eavestaff Upright Piano number 154461 by a neighbour in Holland. It is not a mini piano and it has the standard 86 keys

Can you help with its history of this piano which the kind donor indicated was made in the 1950's

There is a number on the timber part of the sounding board?

Eavestaff piano number 154461
Frame casting 701 made in Great Britain

I attach a photo of the piano

Regards
Peter Dunlop

[Colin Nicholson]

The 'piano number' you refer to, may be the serial number, but this only suggests an approx. date of manufacture (not history), which you have mentioned - around 1954. However, like other posts on Eavestaff pianos, their serial numbers are not accurate, regardless of it being either a standard upright or mini piano.

Numbers on the cast frame also do not refer to history or dates, these are just 'stock' numbers - and never any piano has records of this, only the production line during manufacture.

WG Eavestaff were est. in 1823, London and taken over by Brasted, who made the infamous mini piano around the 1930's. They ceased production around 1983, but I believe they are now made in China.
Bill may be able to give you more information.
For a 1950's piano, it seems unusual to see burred walnut, and its possible the trusses/cheeks & legs may have been reformed to match the period of 'rounded off' corners for the 50's and 60's.

If you lift the first key out, the date may be on the side.
You will find this is either a 85 or 88 note piano...... not 86.

CN