Angelus Brinsmead player piano

[Joshua Gemmell]

I have a question for you.

I know nothing about player piano that we have.

Would like to know the age of the piano, or it’s history, and perhaps it’s value.

Would like to hear from anyone that has information about this player piano.

I just took some pictures, if anyone needs to see what it looks like, let me know.

Above the key broad it has the following words:

“Sir Herbert Marshall, Regent Street, London.”

“Angelus-Brinsmead.”

It’s an upright player piano.

Can any poster here tell me if this player piano has any value?

Perhaps it has no value, and is only worth a few hundred dollars, but I still like to know.

Thanks for sharing any information with me,

Joshua Gemmell
stargate3@cox.net
April 3, 2005

[Bill Kibby]

Brinsmead made the piano, Angelus made the player action, and Marshall probably sold it, but there is nothing specific enough in your email to tell us more, and no-one anywhere will give you a valuation without on-the-spot inspection. I can compile a report based on photos, see
http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-gen/reports.html

[Joshua Gemmell]

Mr. Bill Kibby,

Thank you Mr. Kibby for sharing your knowledge. Know that the tiny sum of thirty-four dollars is a small price to pay to compensate you for your time and expertise.

Know that I was able to find the serial number (61124) at the bottom of the player piano, and while surfing the internet last night [http://www.uk-piano.org/history/brinsmead.html] I was able to place the age between 1905 and 1910. I think the age is about right, since I was able to find a patent date marked “1900".

With this bit of information, it does not appear to me that it has any value. For after doing some searching last night at a different website, I am now under the impression that collectors are only looking for ‘working players’ which are pre-Queen Victoria.

This player appears to be in good shape, but since it is a recent acquisition and I have no knowledge about how to make the player work, nor do I know if it works, but the only thing I know is that when I strike a key it makes sound. Therefore, I have sought help from knowledgeable people such as yourself.

Now that I know a little about it age and history, there is only a question left, it’s about it’s value, and perhaps you can be of help to me here.

I understand that it is not possible for you to give a value unless you can see it in person, but what I wanted to know from you is this question now; If I were to sell it to a restoration company, or collector, what would be the price a restoration company should pay if it only had minor adjustment like tuning, or a collector want to buy it for if it were in perfect condition?

My reasons for asking you this, is because it would cost me about $800 dollars, to have it sent to a restoration company nearby, and have it looked over.

However, I don’t want to spend money on this player piano, if it’s resell value is just a few hundred dollars. Also, know that after having had one bad experience here in New Orleans, when I sold a doll for $800 dollars, only to find out that shop owner resold the doll for ten thousand dollars; I don’t want to make the same mistake. And it was with this intent that I posted on your board, requesting information. I don’t want to just give it away like that doll, but be care full about it this time.

Know that I was pleased with the fast response you gave me, and I was impressed with the vast knowledge you have about player pianos.

So, please be frank with me again, and after looking at the photos which I am going to email you at your email address: (archives@pianogen.fsnet.co.uk);

Please tell me if its resell value should be in the hundreds or thousands, if it were in excellence condition, needing no restoration.

Know that if it has value, then I will want to pay for your complete report, so I can use it as a leverage in selling it, but if it is only has a worth of a few hundred dollars, then I don’t think it is worth the trouble of me shipping it away to have it checkout for resell, and I do better donating it away, as a tax write off.

Thanks again, sincerely,

Joshua Gemmell
stargate3@cox.net
April 4, 2005

[Joshua Gemmell]

Thank you for giving me the same courtesy and speedy response to my first post as I have given to you, but with my follow-up question, you know that it been seven days and not heard anything from you.

I’ve decided that your first post (which showed me courtesy and speed) was only done to direct me to your website. YES, because of your speedy response, you deserved my reading your web page. However, I had to check to see if your were on the level, before sending payment for your service.

Know that a quick and timely report would have been a major fact in my wanting to order your report. Know also that I got tired of waiting for your follow-up post, and no longer expect you to supply anything quickly. The report you offer for thirty-four dollars, was never a problem with me, since my family still owns an estate in Scotland, being used as a school, and my family tree also includes the Laidlaw branch, which is the riches family in Scotland today, and Gemmell branch has built over 1300 ships, but that had nothing to do with my decision not to buy your report.

The reasons I didn’t buy your report was because I live here in the United States, and I had to do more searching on the internet before sending you a black check. Know that when I realize that my second and finial query seeking to know if I was wasting my time with you, after reading your public relations post, I just want to know if you were on the ball and on the level, and would have given me a timely report, that was the deciding factor.

However, since you are in the habit of giving the sells pitch fast (only six hours wait), but slow to respond to my follow-up questions (six days wait, and no reply), I had to send a check to the your competitor, and here is a little of what they had to say on their offer to me:

“For a fee of $50, our experts will evaluate your instrument and supply you with a certified appraisal, manufacture's history, and date of manufacture for your instrument. This material will then be mailed to you, signed and dated by the expert who prepared it, all on official letterhead suitable for framing and display.
We at The Vintage Piano Shop, Inc. are represented by a major billion-dollar corporation, so our professional evaluations and appraisals are taken to be credible and accurate among customers, dealers, and insurance companies alike.”

AS you can see, your competitor, not only has committed themselves to giving me an “appraisal” which will be recognized by a “major billion-dollar corporation,” but will also help me with any restoration, if needed.

Thanks again for you first response and good luck in the future with any new customers.

Best Wishes,
Joshua Gemmell

[Bill Kibby]

I am so sorry my reply is not there, but I certainly did respond very quickly, and distinctly remember asking what you meant about pre-victorian players - there is no such thing. I have no idea where it went, but I hope you find the appraisal satisfactory. Will they be torque-testing every wrestpin, and checking on the pitch, regulation, soundboard, etc.?