W. Brunt & Sons

[Bill Kibby]

Brunt was listed in the Bristol directory by 1870, became "& SOns" in 1875, and was still around in 1901, but probably did not make pianos. Without seeing how the name is applied, I can't judge whether he put his name on as a maker, or as a a dealer, but the 1862 reference is to the London Exhibition, so it could be a piano by someone like Cadby, who received a medal there. Victorian pianos are almost worthless in the UK, I can't speak for anywhere else. Is there any chance of seeing photos?

[M Playford]

I was recently given a piano. It is an Upright. I can't figure out who made it or how much it is worth. The only markings I could find in it were the following:

W. Brunt & Sons, 9, St. Augustine, Parade, Drawbridge, Bristol.

This information is located inside the cover to the keys. Also there is a seal which says:

1862 Londoni Honoris Causa

I also found a number inside the piano: 4204

Can anyone tell me who made it, or how much it may be worth. I do not have any pictures of it. It is still in good condition. It has a beautiful wood inlay on the front. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hello Dave Sorry for the delay in picking up your posting.
W. Brunt & Sons of Bristol were distributors for Cadby pianos and their transfer saying “Manufactured for W. BRUNT & SONS, etc” has been seen on other Cadby pianos in the centre of the wood stop board immediately behind the keys. The scroll on the underside of the keyboard cover should in your case have either “Chas Cadby & Co.” or “Chas. Cadby & Sons” or possibly “Charles Cadby” across the centre flanked by the two faces of the 1862 London Exhibition medal and with the address above and below. Perhaps some of this is still readable.
The number 4204 is either incomplete or not the serial number which in your case should consist of five figures. The serial number is stamped into the top right hand corner of the wood frame above the piano wire adjusters and under “C CADBY”. If there is nothing at that point of the wood frame then it is not a Cadby and as far as we know Cadby never used an iron upright frame
I would expect the outer furniture to be either rosewood or walnut.
I hope this may be of some help to identify it’s origin and look forward to hearing the result of your further inspection
Mark Playford

[Bill Kibby]

Cadby was a good guess then! I can compile a report from photos, see
http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-gen/reports.html

but as value is concerned, unfortunately, although I am endlessly fascinated by victorian pianos, there is very little market for them in the UK. I can't speak for anywhere else.