Kirkman upright - Date please?

[paulr]

I know nothing about pianos but am about to sell a Kirkman upright bought for my sons to learn on about 15 - 20 years ago. I've been trying to find out more about it and am becoming fascinated with the Kirkman history. I'd be extremely grateful if anyone can give a date. Simply from the look of it I'd have guessed about 1925 give or take 10 years or so. But:
The metal plate inside to which the strings are attached is stamped 'Kirkman & Son 3 Soho Square London' with a serial number of 40377.

I know that Collard and Collard took over Kirkman in 1896 and continued to use the Kirkman name. But I wouldn't have thought they would still be using the Kirkman 'stamp' inside? I also believe that Kirkman was based in Soho Square from about 1830 but I think may have moved to other premises by about 1850 - 1860. So could this piano in fact be much older than I think?

Many thanks in anticipation
Regards
Paul

[Bill Kibby]

A lot of the dates published for Kirkman piano numbers seem about right, and this one suggests 1888, perhaps it was modernised? Have a look at

http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-gen/datem ... ianos.html

They moved to Soho Square in 1830, and left in 1892. Could you email me photos of the whole piano? This may tell me more.