B Squire. Jas Wm Hastings Rotherham. Semi Unique Mini minx

[HarrisonYork5739]

To satisfy the curiosity of myself and my family we would like to ascertain the age of a piano that has been in the family since it was made. Unfortunately however we are not sure exactly how long ago this was, whether it was my grandmothers or her fathers. It was made by B Squire and also has the stamp of James and William Hastings Ltd, Rotherham. I believe this may be the supplier? It has a stamp in the trim of JWH 3 898. The stamp is at the top, in the centre on the back of the piano. No other information is visible on the exterior, and i can't see anything else inside. It is a miniature minx and has an ivory and green keyboard. Can anyone provide any information on the exact age of the piano, or any other details about the companies involved in its production? Thank you in advance for your help.

[Bill Kibby]

Is "Semi-unique" written in the piano, or is that your phrase?

The Squire name was taken over by Kemble, who also made the Kemble Minx Miniature, but I have never heard of a Miniature Minx. Hastings was a retailer, but I have no dates of his stock numbers, apart from the fact that J&WH3646 appears to be 1936, so yours is probably a little later. It may be a code and date to 1938.

The piano will have numbers inside which may help. Also have a look at
http://pianogen.org/datemarks.html

Could you post some photos here, or email them to me?