John Spencer & Co Piano

[Moira]

I am trying to find out more about a piano I have had for some time. The only number I can find is 12242 which has been hand written on the inside of the removable panel. Could this be its serial number and if so what age and rough valuation would this be.

Many thanks if you can help.

Moira

[Bill Kibby]

Valuation is impossible without on-the-spot inspection, but the number suggests that it was made in about 1889: In 1890, John Spencer's pianos received a Gold Medal at the Edinburgh Exhibition, which is mentioned on later pianos. Their serial numbers are usually easy to see by lifting the top, and this makes me wonder if yours is not this old. See
http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-gen/reports.html

[Moira]

Thanks.
Only other info that I can find easily is the name D Murdoch & Son 28 Clerk St Edinburgh, which I take to be the distributor at the time.

I suppose there will be hundreds of these pianos around so not worth much on the open market. Looking to sell at moment so just trying to get some info about it.

Thanks again.

Moira

[Bill Kibby]

There have been a number of firms named Murdoch, the most notable being John G. Murdoch, who was in Edinburgh by the 1890s, but not at that address. D. Murdoch & Son were at 28 Clerk Street by 1911, and in 1914 were Piano, Organ & Music dealers. They seem to have disappeared after the 1914 war, so your piano was probably sold between about 1900-1920, but may not have been new then.