Kessels piano

Watson · Post by **Watson** » 04 Oct 2003, 17:17

I have been asked by a family member to find out about a piano that has been in the family for approximately 80-100 years, maybe more. The only information I have about it is that it has the name Kelsall on it and is a baby grand. Sorry for the lack of information, but searching for Kelsall on the Internet has not returned any evidence that this make exists. I would be extremely grateful of any help, Regards, David Watson

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 05 Oct 2003, 15:27

I have nothing on computer about Kelsall pianos, so I imagine it was an alias, but I'll let you know if anything turns up.

Watson · Post by **Watson** » 15 Oct 2003, 19:26

My uncle made a mistake and the correct make of the piano is "Kessels". All we are sure of is it was bought second hand about 55 years ago. Sorry for the lack of information but maybe this correct name may prove more helpful!

Thanks again,

David Watson

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 15 Oct 2003, 21:28

I have very little information ready on computer about Kessels, but they were around in 1938. I'll let you know if I can find anything...

Watson · Post by **Watson** » 16 Oct 2003, 22:17

After a bit of trawling around the net I've found that Leswein Pianos made pianos under the name of Kessels (from www.pianos.co.uk). The piano has HM 2968 on it, and although this doesn't yield any information on http://www.pianos.co.uk/info/pianos/l/leswein.php, the number 2968 does. It says the year of manufacture is "1925 of eerder". Hope this helps.

Thank you for you help so far,

David Watson

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 20 Oct 2003, 15:43

Yes, but do you know who made Leswein? In about 1905, Renn were taken over by Brooks Ltd., who made piano actions, then they used the name Leswein. They also used various other aliases.

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 09 Nov 2003, 19:38

If you would like to email me, I have a little information, and a copy of a 1938 ad.

Grenache · Post by **Grenache** » 28 Nov 2007, 21:19

If Simon Fox is still contactable via this forum, I have some photos, and could let him have my Kessels, if he wants.

chrisfox · Post by **chrisfox** » 19 Oct 2010, 04:16

Hello,
I note that my younger brother Simon has posted a note about my grandfathers involvement with Kessel's pianos. His name was Robert Fox. He was the factory manager at the Hornsey road factory. I remember my dad telling me that Kessel's trade mark was a grand piano, but was unaware that they ever manufactured such an instrument. His knowledge about the product was that they originally made wooden frame straight strung instruments and later produced overstrung iron frame pianos. He also told me that my grandfather had indeed signed one piano. This piano in fact doesn't bear the name Kessel. He actually built this himself and it carried the name Robert George Fox on it. I know this Piano went with my family to Park Avenue South where they moved to after the closer of the factory. There he purchased an organ from a Methodist church and rebuilt it in that house. From there I have no idea what happened. This may not be perfectly accurate, but am sure is not far from the facts. I would be interest also in any sales literature or photographs, if you still have the piano I would be more than happy to take it on. I do need to consult my brother about this as he has obviously expressed an interest in this. My email address is atlfox@hotmail.co.uk. Regards Chris Fox

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