John G Murdoch Normelle Upright Piano

[lvanderk]

Hello-I have a piano with the number 11420 inside the lid with 116 above it...I am wondering how old the piano might be as I need to sell it and am trying to figure out its value. It has a label on it that says John G Murdoch & Co Ltd, 47 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle on Tyne. Thank you so much for any information!

[Colin Nicholson]

I believe Murdoch were founded in 1862, then became known as Spencer & Murdoch. Discontinued in 1942. The address in Newcastle could be a retailers, as Murdoch were originally London based.

The numbers you give dont match S&M serial numbers - this may be inside near the tuning pins, on the side panel inside, or on the soundboard. Any numbers punched on the edge facing the top lid (facing the ceiling) are usually stock or cabinet numbers - which are not recorded. Regrettably, pianos are not like cars, there is no ready available book to give values - you will need an on-the-spot/ onsite inspection by a piano tuner who specialises in and takes interest in piano values & history.

Look inside the piano, or remove the front top panel and the number may be there.
Bill may be able to give you more information.
Photos are also helpful.

Hope that helps

Colin

[Bill Kibby]

Unfortunately, Murdoch pianos cannot be dated by numbers, they are thought to have been made in several different factories, and used several different sequences of numbers.

[Tashalovesart]

Hello there,
I am wondering a very similar thing. I own an Upright Piano 1886 By Special Appointment To HRH The Princess Of Wales John Spencer & Co. Made in London, England circa 1886 / 88
By John G. Murdoch & Co. Ltd.
I personally have owned this piano for 30 years and live in Toronto, Canada. It is of my understanding that when my parents bought it for me it had originally came from London, England. It has been re-stained and refurnished. Needs tuning and the keys do stick. This is due to the temperature and humidity. It changes pending. That said, could anyone please help me get a better understanding of this beauty? I would like to sell it, as it no longer holds value in our home. Sad but true.
Thank you, tasha

[Feg]

In order to get an accurate and realistic value for your piano, you need to get it assessed by your local piano tuner. As it says at the top of this Forum, we cannot place a value on your piano as an onsite inspection is required. Your local piano tuner will be able to advise you appropriately.

Fiona

[Bill Kibby]

As far as history is concerned, I don't think Normelle is anything to do with this Spencer piano, is it? This type of piano was not made in 1886, see
http://www.pianohistory.info/edwardian.html
and the 1880s Spencer examples at
http://www.pianohistory.info/victorian.html

I don't think Murdoch was involved with Spencer that early, and he wasn't Ltd. until after 1897.

I don't think Murdoch had a Chatham branch until the 1900s.

Certainly Spencer's royal appointment was 1902, and mentioned on hundreds (if not thousands) of their pianos made after that.

If you look inside the top, you should find serial numbers that tell us how old it is. See the Spencer list at
http://www.pianohistory.info/numbers.html

My guess is 1908. I hope all that helps with the history, but in local auctions here in the UK, where antique pianos are plentiful, you would be lucky to get £20. I can't speak for the Canadian market.