J. & J. Hopkinson

Post by **Gill the Piano** » 25 Jul 2005, 22:19

Made in 1885 according to my book, worth millions...not. Sorry! Nice old pianos, though - well made and last for years. Just love it for being an antique!

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 26 Jul 2005, 10:18

Unfortunately, although I am endlessly fascinated by victorian pianos, there is very little market for them in the UK. The early numbers published by Michel, (starting from 15,500 in 1840) don't seem to bear any relationship to the instruments I've seen, and they often conflict with the dates of exhibition medals shown on the pianos, so it is wise to cross- check by the dates of any exhibition medals illustrated on the transfer: This number suggests about 1884, but whereas the numbers are said to be around 39000 in 1880, Rudall, Carte & Co. stock records show that Hopkinson Ebonized Cottage piano number 26917 was entered into stock in July 1880. The cost price was £58 10s 0d, and it was sold for £89 5s 0d.