D'Almaine piano

[sueely]

I own a D'Almaine piano that I acquired as a child in 1955/6. I would like to find out about the date of its manufacture and its history. It was sold by WH Barnes ltd of Oxford Street London. Inside the piano is the number 56118. There is also a plate inside it that says British Piano Actions Ltd London. And it does say actions not auctions.

I wondered if you could give me any information.

Many Thanks

Sue Ely

[Bill Kibby]

The action is the working parts of the notes, these are usually made by specialist firms such as British Piano Actions Ltd., but it is not possible to date Barnes pianos by their numbers, because they were made by several different factories, and given different names. D'Almaine is a very old name, I have one made around 1846, illustrated at http://pianogen.org/victorian.html

In the 1900s, Barnes used the name. If this one was made by Bentley, it would be 1939. No history is available on individual Barnes pianos, so it is only by clues inside the piano that you can learn any more, but photos might help us to tell you a bit more.

[Bill Kibby]

This is a piano made by a wholesaler such as Kemble, and given the old name D'Almaine, which is one of several that Barnes used. If it was by Kemble, then see
http://pianogen.org/numbers.html

Otherwise, look at
http://pianogen.org/datemarks.html

[vcm]

Hi, do you have any idea how much a little D'Almaine like that would cost please?

[Bill Kibby]

Somewhere between ten pounds and two thousand, depending on condition. Nobody anywhere can guess the value or condition of a piano without inspecting it on the spot, and tuning it, so your local tuner is the best person to ask.

[Don Johnson G-son]

Hello
I am Don Johnson of Johnson D'almaine Pianos of Oxford Street grandson.
Please feel free to contact me with any queries I will ask my mother and aunt who worked with their father. Although the business was wound up in 1976 after Don Johnson's death I am sure that my Aunt and mother would be interested in talking with you. My mobile number is 07541989500
Best wishes
Christopher Gates