Chappell Student Piano

[MLouise]

I am looking for some information on a small piano. I call it a child's piano. It has only 46 keys. Markings inside read Chappell & Co. London with the numbers 13936 stamped in side, with what looks like an R on top. I would appreciate any help you could give me.

[Bill Kibby]

The published numbers for Chappell would suggest that the piano was made in 1877, but without photos, I can't tell if this is likely. Chappell was one of several makers who advertised "Student Pianofortes" which were quite ordinary, small upright pianos, with short keyboards, usually 61 notes or 5 octaves. This made them considerably cheaper than Chappells' previous models. In 1878, they sold for 15 guineas.

46 notes is a strange number, not even 4 octaves, did you count the black notes as well?

If it was made for a child, it would probably have smaller keys, a lower-than-usual keyboard and small pedals.

Is it possible that you could either post photos here, or email them to me?

[MLouise]

I am not the greatest at emailing pictures, I will definitely get it done though. My grandson will be here over the weekend and he will help me. I appreciate your quick reply.

[Bill Kibby]

My edit of last night somehow disappeared, so I have re-worded my previous posting. The number 13935 suggests that it was made in 1876.