Chappell upright history inquiry

[jwdendy]

While my wife and I lived in Innellan along the Clyde we purchased a Chappell upright at an auction. We are very curious about its history. Any information supplied would be greatly appreciated. The information we have found stamped or printed on the piano is as follows:
1. Chappell London
2. 137033 - stamped on the top of the right upright end
3. Henry Riley BIRM m - stamped on the inside of the right upright, I am unsure if the last letter is an "m" or not but it does appear to be a lower case m a space apart from the BIRM.
4. 508747 - stamped on the removable wooden hammer assembly.
5. The keyboard lid also has what I would imagine is the original vendors name, J. G. Gibb & Sons, Cambridge St., Glasgow

I apologize for not knowing the right terminology for the various parts, but hope my descriptions will help you. We have been told that the piano was manufactured in 1913, but we are not sure if this is accurate. I have found that J. G. Gibb & Sons closed its doors in 1932. Any additional information or confirmation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and Merry Christmas

[Bill Kibby]

There is no simple way of knowing which number is the proper serial number, they could indicate 1877 or 1913, but if Gibb sold it new, this name could not be much before 1912. Henry Riley was also a retailer, established in Birmingham 1851. Have a look at

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

If you can email photos to me, it should be obvious which date is more likely.