I am trying to find out about a James Ball spinet c1790 which belongs to my great uncle and to get some advise about shipping it? Does anyone know of any experts in the Florida area of the US who may be able to come and appraise the piece and give advice on shipping it to the UK?
I am also concerned that since it has been in the humid climate of Florida for the past 30 years it may need additional care and treatment before shipping
Any advise would be greatly appreciated!
James Ball
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Bill Kibby
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Re: James Ball
Is it really a spinet (which plucks the strings) or is this yet another example of a mislabelled square piano, in which hammers strike the strings? Photos would help us, if you could upload any images here, or email them to me.
Fortunately, Ball made pianofortes, so he does appear in my files. Can you give us more details, including the complete, exact wording on the instrument, and any numbers inside it? I presume it has the Duke Street address?
Ball's early instruments from the 1790s may have his name latinised as "Jacobus".
So far, I can only place it around 1789-1814, or "circa 1802".
In discussing "appraisal" you need to clarify whether it is valuation you need. We are not licensed valuers, I personally deal in historical appraisals only, and this forum cannot accept responsibility to people who quote values.
In the states too, written valuation can only be given by legally-approved people.
Export may involve problems with animal products such as ivory, and although this is probably early enough to be exempt, you will need to check. We recently had someone who was required to state the TYPE of elephant that produced the ivory!
Fortunately, Ball made pianofortes, so he does appear in my files. Can you give us more details, including the complete, exact wording on the instrument, and any numbers inside it? I presume it has the Duke Street address?
Ball's early instruments from the 1790s may have his name latinised as "Jacobus".
So far, I can only place it around 1789-1814, or "circa 1802".
In discussing "appraisal" you need to clarify whether it is valuation you need. We are not licensed valuers, I personally deal in historical appraisals only, and this forum cannot accept responsibility to people who quote values.
In the states too, written valuation can only be given by legally-approved people.
Export may involve problems with animal products such as ivory, and although this is probably early enough to be exempt, you will need to check. We recently had someone who was required to state the TYPE of elephant that produced the ivory!
Piano History Centre
http://pianohistory.info
Email via my website.
If you find old references or links on this site to pianogen.org, they should refer to pianohistory.info
http://pianohistory.info
Email via my website.
If you find old references or links on this site to pianogen.org, they should refer to pianohistory.info
Re: James Ball
Many thanks for your reply Bill.
I am going to visit my great uncle later this week so I will make sure i get all the information I can form the instrument itself.
I do know if is lables as James Ball, Dukes Street London, 1790, Piano maker to HRH Prince Regent
I undertand you are unable to give valuations - I am basically looking for as much information as possible to I can decide what it best to do with the piece. Any historical information or advise is greatly appreciated.
I am going to visit my great uncle later this week so I will make sure i get all the information I can form the instrument itself.
I do know if is lables as James Ball, Dukes Street London, 1790, Piano maker to HRH Prince Regent
I undertand you are unable to give valuations - I am basically looking for as much information as possible to I can decide what it best to do with the piece. Any historical information or advise is greatly appreciated.