Broadwood

[Clark]

Hi, Richard,

C. F. Colt has a chapter on dating Broadwoods, a little too large for me
to reproduce easily, but I'll include the sections if you want to
elaborate on anything they cover. I have an 1805(ish), and an 1827
square which might help in comparison, and also "Broadwood by
Appointment", for what it's worth.

Regards,


Clark


C.F. Colt, C.F. and Antony Miall. "The Early Piano". London, Stainer &
Bell. 1981. p.144-154.

> 5. How to Date
>
> Series Numbers
> Dates and Numbers on Squares
> (Dates and Numbers on Grands)
> Nameboard and Inscriptions *
> Compass
> Keys
> Hammer Coverings *
> Stringing
> Iron Tension Bars
> (Types of Action)
> Damping Systems
> Pedals
> (Casework)
> (Baseboards)
> Music Rests and Candlestick Stands
> (Keyboard Covers)
> Variety of Choices


> Period			Inscription
> From 1800 until 1820		His Majesty (George III alone)
> 1820 till 1821		Their Majesties (George IV and 
>				Caroline)
> 1822 till 1830		His Majesty (Caroline died in 1821)
> 1830 till 1837		Their Majesties (William IV and 
>				Adelaide)

> Hammer coverings, if the actions have not been altered, can help to 
> fix dates. All early pianos without exception had their hammers 
> covered with buckskin or wash-leather. This system went on until 
> about 1825, when cloth and then felt began to be used. Shortly after 
> 1820, particularly on squares, the bass part of the piano - i.e. 
> those notes on the bass bridge - had cloth covered hammers. 
> Gradually the cloth or felt was extended, until about 1839 only the 
> topmost octave was covered with leather.