Mystery Bechstein London

[Rosalindgillett]

I have a baby grand Bechstein in walnut which my father bought in 1947 in London. It has the serial number 240332 which does tally with any of the serial numbers in Pierce's Piano Atlas. It has brass inlay name on the fall but the letters, according to Gill, are smaller than usual, being about 3/4 of an inch high. On the frame is cast Bechstein London and on the vertical plane behind the dampers is stamped 332 in the wood.

Can you help shed any light on its history?

Thanks in anticipation

Rosalind Gillett

[Bill Kibby]

There is no mystery, except that no dates are available. The "Bechstein, London" pianos were imported in pieces, for assembly in Bournemouth rather than London, in the 1930s, perhaps by Broadwoods, but although Bechsteins had a London office, the company name "Bechstein London" was never registered, so we cannot look up information on them. Mr Watkins, who worked for them at Bournemouth, cannot be traced, and is believed to be dead. The arrangement with Berlin ceased with the outbreak of war, Bechstein was helping to fund Hitler. (Some of this information was very kindly supplied by Rod Watt.)

#384 is thought to have been made around 1933, but this may just be the last 3 digits of the real number: It has a Langer action, instead of the more usual Renner. The grands were made shorter than normal Bechsteins too, around 4'8", and some say they are not up to the usual Bechstein standard.

#239,992 is known to be pre-1939.

If the action was made by Langer, and has a number, I may be able to date it. The Bechstein company may be able to tell you more.

[Gill the Piano]

Didn't look at the action, Bill - sorry! I know, you've brought me up to know better...