Knight Piano

[albertan]

I have a Knight piano which belonged to my great aunt. I have a receipt which I thought was for this piano. It is from W.H.Barnes Ltd and is for an Upright grand Pianoforte by D'almaine. Class K & Nos. 1148 - WE 2475 I am now wondering if this is for another piano entirely. Does anyone know if Knight and D'almaine pianos are one and the same. The piano has Knight logo underneath the music book stand.

[Bill Kibby]

The D'Almaine company had a long history, but more "modern" ones, such as those sold by Barnes in the thirties, were made by Kemble. I know of no connection between Knight and D'Almaine. Knight pianos are usually dated on the keys, and this, together with the serial number, will tell you if it is the same year as the receipt, but I can't see why it would be. Follow the link below for datemarks.

[albertan]

Bill - I looked inside and there is K6 on the steel frame and 205 stamped onto the back wooden panel. Also inside the top right side panel is stamped 1149. This last number is kind of strange because the receipt is for a D'almaine #1148. I am wondering if its just a clerical error?
Anyhow, do either of those other numbers mean anything to you??

Thanks, Albertan

[Bill Kibby]

K6 would be the Knight model number, you may need to find a longer number for the serial number. 1149 as a serial number would suggest 1930s, what is the date of the receipt?

Have you read up on finding datemarks? Most pianos have several numbers inside, these are not always helpful. There may be a serial number on the back of the piano. My clock had 1149 on it, this does not mean it has a connection with your piano.

[jonnymark]

The Piano Industry has been active in the United Kingdom for over two hundred and sixty years and its craftsmen have passed down their traditional skills through the generations and have developed a musical instrument which is probably the most perfect ever designed.

The Knight Company was founded in 1936 by Alfred E. Knight, a man who dedicated his life to producing small pianos of exceptional tone and quality. We have flexibility designs, all with constant performance. Matching stools and music cabinets are also available - manufacture to provide pianos in a wide variety of finishes.

[Bill Kibby]

I would like to see your evidence to show details of the UK piano trade existing before 1751, and I would be grateful for a list of surviving English pianos you know of that are pre-1751.

[NewAge]

This item has been removed. We do not need you copying spam from websites without permission, and we do not need you telling us about the Knight piano company, since some of us have been in the trade for years. If you persist, you will be banned.

Bill Kibby-Johnson, moderator

[Bill Kibby]

I know where it probably came from, 3 sites that conveniently don't let me point out their error. So it's on this one too? If anyone could answer that question they'd be a better man than me!

Perhaps Barrie can tell me?

English pianos before 1751?

Several authors, probably quoting Edgar Brinsmead, say that Zumpe invented the square piano (querpiano) in 1750, but there is no evidence to support this, even if he had reached England by then. His are the earliest authenticated square pianos, English or otherwise, 1766. Kirkman was around in those days, but probably not making pianos until about 1777. Broadwood was not making pianos. Longman had not started his business. Erard was not making pianos.

I'm sorry this debate has strayed away from Knight pianos!