F.W. Emmerson LTD Upright

[Garani]

I own an upright piano, very dear to me. I did buy it second end 30 years ago and now is just coming back from the repair shop for some much needed love care.

There is a number etched on the upper side of a pannel, 03797, and I am trying to guess it's age and history. I believe that it was actually build by Ferry & Foster (if I didn't missunderstand the piano-gen page) but there is little information about probable years of production.

Anyone that could help me in getting an idea of the age of this great companion?

[Colin Nicholson]

Our resident expert Bill will probably be able to help you out more here. I have looked the name up in my Pierce Piano Atlas, and only come across a "EMERSON PIANO CO" - established in 1849. Based around Boston/Washington USA.... but there is nothing with EMMERSON (with two 'Ms').... these could be an alias name and various companies used to change lettering on their pianos!

The numbers you give do not fit the serial numbers I have, and most serial numbers of an aged piano rarely start with a '0' - but a whole number. The serial number (if present) may be inside the piano near the tuning pins facing you. I presume the numbers you gave were punched into the wood, left top panel, facing the ceiling? If so, this is a stock/cabinet number.... and of no use.

You may be advised to download a few photos (1 per post) so we can get a better idea of the age/condition - also removing the front panel completely (one with the music rest on).... and a good clear photo of the front mechanism, aswell as some general images. As I said, not sure if your piano matches the descriptions/ serial numbers in my book. I am a little surprised your "repair shop" didnt find the date for you?

[Bill Kibby]

This is not the American Emerson, and no dates of serial numbers are available. Emmerson was one of the names bought up by Ferry & Foster. An undated record sleeve (courtesy George Woolford) says...

Ferry & Foster Ltd. Pianoforte Manufacturers & Exporters, 23, Fawcett Street and 120, High Street West, Sunderland. Telephone 1458, 1459. 'Grams "Ferifos, Sunderland. Also at Newcastle, Leeds, Doncaster, Hull, Chiswick, London, Johannesburg, South Africa. Proprietors of the following London factories: Wholesale only.

C. & J. Eungblut, N.W. (Est. 100 years)
Burling & Mansfield N. (Est. 80 years)
F.W. Emmerson Ltd., N.
C. Burlman & Co., N.
Carlton Piano Works, N.W.

Sole & Exclusive Agents for Bluthner, Weber & Steck Pianos, The Pianola" and "Duo- Art" Reproducing Pianos. Send for free art catalogue. Accredited agents for His Master's Voice Gramophones & Records.

[Garani]

I presume the numbers you gave were punched into the wood, left top panel, facing the ceiling? If so, this is a stock/cabinet number.... and of no use.

Thanks Colin,
that is indeed the case. The piano is still at the workshop. It is finished but will be delivered by the end of the month. Today I couldn't stand the wait anymore and I went to see it :)

You may be advised to download a few photos (1 per post) so we can get a better idea of the age/condition - also removing the front panel completely (one with the music rest on).... and a good clear photo of the front mechanism, aswell as some general images. As I said, not sure if your piano matches the descriptions/ serial numbers in my book. I am a little surprised your "repair shop" didnt find the date for you?

I will do all of that once it gets delivered. In the shop I didn't speak with the artisan himself, but his sister (it is a family run shop since the 1920). I did buy the piano there from their father, so I will see if I can get any more info or old invoices. Thanks for the info and time!