eavestaff & son 14969

double d · Post by **double d** » 17 Aug 2004, 03:53

anyone tell me about these pianos. I have searched the web and found some interesting stuff. Probably made about 1895, but cant tell anymore. Inside is stamped the number 14969 in several places, frames, and covers, but dont know if its the serial number or not. Also has "Schwander" on the workings. It is now in NZ, and has been since about 1930-ish. Any info on these would really be appreciated. Is it valuable or suitable for the dump.......

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 17 Aug 2004, 08:50

Although I have lots of information on the Eavestaff firm and their pianos, the published dates of serial numbers don’t even begin until 1950, the earlier ones being lost in a fire, but by collecting a few estimated dates of their earlier pianos, I can offer some guide to the period between. Some Eavestaff pianos have actions (the working parts of the notes) made by Schwander, and these have their own numbers on the rear of the action, which can be dated. I would guess that yours was made in the early 1890s, and unlikely to be valuable in the UK, but as to whether it is fit for the dump, you would have to ask your tuner, it depends on the internal condition.

double d · Post by **double d** » 17 Aug 2004, 09:13

thanks for that prompt reply. The internals are a bit dodgy, obviously having been used well. The tuner tells me that it can be tuned no further, obviously having reached its maximum. What sort of wood are they likely to be made from, a mahogany or oak or similar.?

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 17 Aug 2004, 09:41

If it's untuneable, then it's probably not worth the cost of repair. Impossible to say what wood, and it's not my subject really, but many pianos of this age were made of all sorts of odd bits and polished very dark to hide the differences! I would be interested to know the Schwander number on the rear of the action.

double d · Post by **double d** » 17 Aug 2004, 11:12

thanks again Bill. The Schwander number is 341371. The action is certainly still very smooth and things are still firmly held together. I am loathe to get rid of it for very little as things of this well made quality and endurance are rare in NZ.(thats where I am)However as there is no market for them its time cluttering my lounge is rapidly coming to an end. Now that you mentioned about the timber a closer inspection reveals differing array's of timber have been used in the construction. thanks again, I am finding this quite fascinating.

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 17 Aug 2004, 15:39

The Schwander numbers are listed at the end of the Numbers page on my site...

http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-gen/piano ... mbers.html

and this one suggests 1892. Thanks for showing me that Eavestaff 14969 is 1892!