A. Bord Paris

[mcroftjr]

Hello All,

I have seen a few posts about this piano maker in my research about a piano that I recently obtained.

The serial number on this piano is 126824 as found on the sound board as well as hand written on the last key to the right.

Another serial number, 20869, is found in 2 different places so I am assuming this was the importers serial number.

The first key on the left is stamped with "3075" proceeded with a hand written "B". As with other posts, I have 2 additional name stamps on the top left of the action, "C. NOEL and G. BUGOURT". My thinking is this may be the actual people that built the piano as other posts mention other names that do not match those on my piano, just a thought.

This piano is actually in pretty good shape, could be refinished, but still solid. I will be tuning soon to see if any of the tuning posts are loose and won't hold, but that will have to wait for a while. Just having had shoulder surgery yesterday, I'm just not motivated at the moment.

I am interested in learning the year this piano was made. Based on other posts and their serial numbers, I am thinking between 1905 and 1920. Any other information or history would be a bonus.

Thanks in advance.

[Colin Nicholson]

Some numbers on pianos are not serial numbers. There is only one serial number on a piano that may match its date, other numbers are usually 'stock' or 'parts' numbers.
I also wouldn't trust hand-written numbers as a serial number. It is likely someone in the workshop may have 'added' the pencil version afterwards.

According to the piano serial number book, the number #126824 suggests 1913. Serial numbers are usually either stamped/ embossed or by means of a decal, placed on the soundboard, wrest plank, cast iron frame, or sometimes on the tops of the last few treble hammers. The other numbers are not recorded and dont mean anything.

A Bord were established in 1840 in Paris, France, 1 Rue FRancois.... (and it mentions).... "in best years turned out as many as 4000 annually." They were purchased by Pleyel in 1934, and presumably Pleyel kept their records till around 1960.

Some photos of the piano & serial number (from inside the piano) would be good to confirm this, and Bill should be able to offer more information than me.

Hope that helps.....

[mcroftjr]

Thanks Colin.

I've read many other posts from other people and based on their responses, 1913 falls un the range of dates I was expecting.

When I heal up a bit, I'll dig in deeper to see if this piano will hold a tuning and decide if it's worth refinishing.

[Colin Nicholson]

What do you mean by "refinishing" ?.... not a term I hear often.

Are you referring to the casework being stripped and re-polished/ French polished etc., or referring to the action mechanism being refurbished?

Its not alot of money to have a piano tuned - about £45 - £50 for a standard tuning. May be more if it requires a pitch-raise.

Anyway, hope your shoulder heals ok....

[mcroftjr]

Yes, refinishing the case. It's in pretty decent shape, few scratches and the the varnish or clear coat is cracking in a few places. The actions all look good Ankara smooth moving. Felt is coming off the damping board attached toothed right pedal, but that's no biggie to fix. Missing one piece of ivory on one key. All is based on the results of the tuning. Was planning to tune it myself, but might not have the patients to wait for the shoulder to heal. Hahaha

Thanks again for your response. Have a good one.