William James Ltd

Rhonda · Post by **Rhonda** » 26 Oct 2006, 23:46

Hi! I am very impressed by this piano web-world. I also appreciate the good writing and the sense of humour I've found as I explore the site. I write to ask about an upright piano I saved from going to the tip. The piano lived in a village hall in County Durham for many years. It says made for Ewing and McIntosh by William James Ltd Gold Medal Pianos. The 'Gold Medal' part sounds a bit over the top. It is a nice-looking instrument with inlay work. It's not terribly out of tune but the keys kind of 'plonk'.
Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 27 Oct 2006, 02:15

Speaking as a William James, I should know this one, but the only firm of that I have on computer so far is a London one somewhere between 1876 and 1885, but I have no record of them being Ltd., could that apply to E&M?

1880 William James, Pianoforte maker, 26 City Road EC.
1882 William James, Pianoforte maker, 64 Bread Street.
1884 William James, Pianoforte maker, 120 Fulham Road SW.

Ewing & M'Intosh were around in the late 1800s too. See also the Reports page at the link below.

I haven't been to Barnard Castle for years. Have you seen the collection of pianos at Bowes Museum?