John Brinsmead Piano

[rockinro]

Hello, I am thinking of purchasing a Brinsmead piano that the owner states is from 1877 since there is a letter that was written to the manufacturer and they responded saying its age. She does not know the serial # nor can she find it. The piano from pictures 'appears' to be in good condition, of course one can never tell. She said the piano has never been tuned and was only a showpiece in her house. I have two pictures of it, but don't know how to send them to you. I just want to know if you think $475 is a good figure to pay for this piano - I do not want it as showpiece, I want to have it tuned and play it. Or, is it way too old to even think about? How do I at least send you a photograph of it?
Rochelle

[Bill Kibby]

I'd love to see the photos, follow the instructions below. The number should be easily visible inside the top. Would it be possible to get a scan or copy of the letter? This would help from a historical point of view, but we have no way of knowing what the piano is worth, or what it would sell for, this depends on local forces, and you need a tuner to inspect it. I can help if you are in East Anglia.

[rockinro]

Let me know what you think!

[Bill Kibby]

The only thing I can add is that the published serial numbers for this firm are incorrect. Check against the dates of any exhibition medals shown on the case. At a time when Brinsmead would have been increasing business, they suggest that production (or at least serial numbers) went down suddenly from 300 a year to just 52, suggesting the numbers for 1877 to be around 29100.