Howards' Ltd., Manchester

Barbara · Post by **Barbara** » 18 Jun 2004, 03:27

I just rescued a very old 50" upright piano that has a brass plaque stating: Howards' Ltd., Manchester. Yes, there is an apostrophe after the "s". The piano has a number: 20641. I'm looking for the history of this piano. It's small with two foot pedals. I do not play the piano but simply couldn't see the contractor toss it in a dumpster. Thanks for any help.

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 18 Jun 2004, 08:20

They were selling pianos about a century ago, I'll see what I can find, but it is unlikely they made pianos. See

http://pianogen.org/names.html

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 18 Jun 2004, 10:22

Dates of serial numbers are not available, and it is unlikely they made their own pianos, see the notes above on aliases. Samuel Howard was at Swan Street in 1899, and by 1911, Howards' Ltd. were at Oldham Street, where they remained for a very long time, certainly into the fifties. The only way forward is by inspection or photos of the piano.

Barbara · Post by **Barbara** » 18 Jun 2004, 15:09

Thank you for your posted messages. I will get a digital photo--is there a way to attach it to this site? I live in Seattle, Washington, USA, if that is a further clue to my orphan piano.

It has a place for candleholders/lights of some sort on either side of the main panel. The main panel has inlaid work of lighter wood.

Best wishes, Barbara

Barbara · Post by **Barbara** » 18 Jun 2004, 15:35

More information: Inside an ornate emblem painted in gold are these words: Diamond model, Iron frame; Check action; J. Cowley & Co.; Hull

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 18 Jun 2004, 16:15

I'll look for Cowley. You can post photos here, or email them to me.

Barbara · Post by **Barbara** » 18 Jun 2004, 17:15

Will do asap. Thank you very much.

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