Spencer of London

[clementino]

Hello,
This is a piano I have in my care, I don't know much about it apart from the fact it's a 'Spencer of London' and manufactured for 'John G Murdoch & Co. Ltd.'

"Spencer, John, London - Est'd 1884

Makers of large numbers of cheaper uprights from the 1890s that were essentially better than many made at the time. The cabinets were often walnut with inlaid marquetry. From the 1920s Spencer made some good overstrung uprights and a few grands. Also built pianos by Murdoch & Murdoch. Spencer ceased trading in 1942."

It does sound quite nice, needs a tune and is in very good condition, no woodworm at all.

It'd be nice to see it have a good home, does anyone have any info? Is it worth much?

Thanks.

[Bill Kibby]

I have replied to almost endless postings in these pages for Spencer pianos, which you can read at your leisure, and if there is a serial number inside the top, I may be able to date it. Nobody is going to give you a valuation without on-the-spot testing by a tuner. "Needs a tune"doesn't tell us if it is capable of being tuned.

[olive]

Would appreciate any information on a John Spencer upright with serial number under the lid JB1737, by Appointment to the Princess of Wales with a couple of awards from 1830 and 1860 mentioned?

[Bill Kibby]

This is not the serial number, which would be longer. JB would be the initals of a dealer. Spencer did not exist in 1830 or 1860, so check the years of the medals.

[JasonTailby]

Hello there, I have just bought a walnut Spencer upright piano, serial number 90642, any idea where I can find out what year it was manufactured? It is in very good condition and will be a joy to play. Thanks

[Bill Kibby]

That number suggests 1937.