Hibbs Ltd. Manchester

[marieclaudealexleo]

Hi,
I'm in Montreal Quebec Canada
I've been searching info on the internet about my Hibbs Ltd Manchester Piano but cannot find any.
Anybody know something about this Piano maker?

[Bill Kibby]

I think it is a mistake to assume that they were makers, I have no evidence that they made pianos, and (like so many other dealers) they probably put their name onto pianos bought in from anonymous wholesalers, so serial numbers won't help. Any further clues would be inside. Have a look at
http://pianogen.org/datemarks.html

Jazez Hibbs was established shortly before 1899, and by 1911, they were Hibbs Ltd., so your piano is almost certainly twentieth-century. Are you able to post photos here, or email them to me?

[robhibbs]

I am sorry for a very late post. Jabez Hibbs was my Great Grand Father, He founded the Manchester piano company and he was a builder and exporter. If you google Jabez Hibbs Methodist you will see a picture of the man who built your piano. I would love to see a picture of it, please could you email to sec56@ncl.com kind regards, Rob Hibbs

[Dagmara]

I have my hibbs piano in Poland and wondering how much its worth because i cant find any information on the internet

[Feg]

Hi,

We cannot give you a valuation of your piano here as an onsite inspection is needed to assess the condition etc of the instrument.

It would be best to make contact with a local piano tuner and ask them to assess and value the piano.

https://www.spsf.pl/ is the professional association of piano tuners in Poland where you can find details of piano tuners in your area.

Fiona

[mimicgunnels]

Good evening Rob

Ive picked up this post whilst doing a google search for "Hibbs Ltd Manchester Piano". I own an upright piano made by Jabez's company. I live in Manchester and was naturally magnetized to it due to it having "Manchester" on the fallboard. The seller was in Manchester, a few miles away in a place called Withington who had also acquired it locally. It seems the piano has handed over locally for over 100 years.

The piano unfortunately is heavily tobacco stained and requires a few repairs but has become this years project to restore it somewhat.

I also did some further research on where he lived and the workshop address, but alas, like all Victorian buildings in Manchester, they were demolished. Interestingly enough, across the road from the old site is the new Manchester College where I studied Music which was a fun synchronicity.

He was also a member of Openshaw (an area of East Manchester) Masonic Lodge as Brother. Hibbs and well as Steward of IX District Manchester through the Methodists.

My family are from that area and may have crossed paths his Jabez or one of his sons. Maybe my great great grandfather had a go on one of the pianos.

History is fascinating, and even more exciting when you find more nuggets of info to paint the picture of the past.

I hope you see this post RobHibbs as I can send photos (its in restoration)