W H Barnes / Knight circa 1939

mxlower · Post by **mxlower** » 25 Mar 2005, 22:33

Can anyone give me some advice. I have a piano bought from W H Barnes. There is a Guarantee certificate dated 8/11/39 and receipt for delivery dated 7/5/1940. The receipt states it is a knight Nos 3222 - HO.18732. The original owner was my wifes grandfather and he bought it new but I would like to know more about the manufacturer and also if the piano is worth anything??

Post by **Gill the Piano** » 26 Mar 2005, 16:50

Alfred Knight gave his factory over for the war effort, and I think they made Spitfires there. The Knight pianos are generally well-made and nice instruments, but everything depends upon its condition. The only real way of getting a true valuation is to ask a technician or tuner to have a look for you. The box may be in good nick, but all sorts of horrible things can happen inside, so it's best to get a professional in to give you an opinion - the tuning pins can be loose or the bridges or soundboard split. If you've had it in the family all that time, it's probably been looked after and none of the above will have happened. But just in case...!