Thomas Hawkins, Manchester

[TiaTibodeau]

My father recently purchased a piano as a decoration for his home. I am interested to find out the age of the piano, and any information on the maker. I have searched to no avail, and I need help. Any information at all would be appreciated. The name Thomas Hawkins and location of Miles Platting, Manchester was located under the key cover. I also found writing on the side of the 1st key (they are double bushed), No. 085. As well as a number located behind the strings on the frame, 15085. I included pictures. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Tia D. Tibodeau

[Bill Kibby]

I have no details about Thomas Hawkins, it is a common surname, but I have not found Thomas on any of my lists so far. I would guess the piano was made around 1906, but it is unlikely that Hawkins was a real maker, he probably just sold pianos. The action (the working parts of the notes) was made in Germany, a type commonly used in British pianos until the 1914 war, as described at
http://pianogen.org/edwardian.html

There may be dates inside your piano, see
http://pianogen.org/datemarks.html

[TiaTibodeau]

Upon further inspection I found on the side of another key "Brooks Limited", as well as an inscription on the iron frame that says, " 96 DB SK". I will be adding the pictures shortly.

[Bill Kibby]

The markings are not listed on my files so far, but Brooks Ltd. became Herrburger Brooks in 1920, as mentioned at
http://pianogen.org/numbers.html

[TiaTibodeau]

New pictures.