W.J. Ennever & Son

[Lindakb]

We have inherited a W.J. Ennever & Son Upright walnut piano from my Mother-in-law. It has the number 5548 inside the back of the piano as well as a sticker dated 1924 and 160 pounds written on top of it on the inside. I was told by a piano tuner some years ago that it has a wooden internal frame on which the piano is built (rather than metal) and as such is likely to be about the late 1800's as that is about when this type of piano was no longer made. I wonder if anyone can recommend whether I should try to restore the piano as I was told that if we tried to tune it it would break. Can anyone recommend a restorer for this type of piano and any idea how much we could be looking at? I was also wondering if anyone could tell me how old this piano was, how much it is likely to have sold for and approximately what it is worth today - it is in good but not perfect condition, a watermark on the top - otherwise in quite good condition.

LKB

[Bill Kibby]

The form of the piano's name suggests 1865-1905ish. See
http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-gen/valua ... ianos.html

... and the Reports page there. If you are in East Anglia, I may be able to help more.

[bennever]

Hello Linda & Bill, I am researching the history of the Ennever piano manufacturing businesses and saw your post about an existing piano. I would be delighted to see any photographs or other documents you may have or know about that would help me in my research. Apart from the Music Trades Review (in the British Library) are there are good sources of historical information that might help me understand the origins and history of the businesses (Ennever & Sons and Ennever & Steedman)? What I do know of the business can be found in the "Histories" section of my family website at www.ennever.com

Thank you for any help you are able to give. Kind regards.

Barry Ennever

[Bill Kibby]

The best thing to do is email me, I'm sure we could have a useful exchange of information. We haven't had a chance to get to Colindale, but if we do, we'll be tempted to stay for a month! We are also in touch with descendants of the Ennevers. Have you seen
http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-gen/genea ... akers.html

By the way, I edited your link because the full stop at the end of it makes it fail, computers haven't got the common sense to know that they need to ignore it! I would normally have put a question mark on the one above, but the same is true.

[Lindakb]

Hi

I am sorry that it has taken me so long to get back to both of you - thanks for your information.

I am thinking of selling the piano - no room for it and the kids have all grown up now.

You don't know of anyone that would be interested in it? If you want to contact me my direct email is linda@klassenbrown.co.uk

Linda