Chappell & Co cottage piano, 1860?

[boralv]

Hi,

I'm considering buying a Chappell piano, but only have pictures. I do not know the serial number.
Is there anyone recognizing the era of the pictures?
IF it's around 1860, as advertised, where would I look for the serial number?

Thank you :)

[Bill Kibby]

This is a Victorian Cottage Piano, as described at
http://www.pianohistory.info/victorian.html
and my guess is 1876. It seems to have 85 notes, which would be unlikely in 1860. Very few Chappells survive from the 1860s, they are said to have begun production in 1861. Sadly, rarity is not a sign of value!

If you want to search for clues inside the piano, have a look at
http://www.pianohistory.info/datemarks.html

If you lift the top, and look inside, you may be able to see the number, but the early numbers published for Chappell are not reliable, see
http://www.pianohistory.info/numbers.html

I would be interested to know what the number is, and don't be surprised if you find several!

Is the address 50 New Bond Street? They were at that address for a long time, including the periods we are thinking about.

[boralv]

Thank you Bill,

I also count 85 from the pictures, and have not seen the piano "live" yet. I thought it was 30 Bond at first, but after seeing "all the others" have 50, it must be 50. Guessing Chappell was never at 30 Bond as well as on 50.
Hoping to get the piano at less than $1300 if it plays well. The seller advertised it as "probably around 1860", but I believe that was a very rough guess. I will look for numbers etc when I see it.

Thanks again, I'm already a lot piano-wiser.
More input is also welcome :)

Regards,
Borge

[Bill Kibby]

Sadly, here in Britain it would be nearer £13.

[Colin Nicholson]

Unless the piano is just for tinkering/ light playing/ piece of furniture.... for that price, I would consider getting it checked over by a piano tuner to see if it tunes OK & the tuning pins (and pitch) are OK.... never rely on the seller's word (if they are a stranger to you).... and the last thing you want is any prospective piano tuner walking away when an appointment is booked.... can save you extra costs/ removal fees and lots of tears!

Colin

[boralv]

Thank you Bill and Colin. I might end up paying half or less, depending on the numbers and condition and on other bidders. I'll look for a tuner as well. I'm not good enough to impress anyone with my play, but there might be some talents playing it from time to time :)

[boralv]

I have now gotten the serial number: 7577
Guess that puts it in the 1860's?

[Bill Kibby]

That number suggests that the piano was made in 1863, and you can boldly go around quoting that information, safe in the knowledge that it is published and widespread. I stick to my guess of 1876, but I have no evidence at all to support it, only half a century of experience.

It's a shame if there is no date inside.

[boralv]

I might get time to see it today. I will see what I can find. Te serial number was given to me from the seller.
I'll keep you posted.