Broadwood

[Richard Brekne]

Thanks muchly Clark... I will take a closer look at this tommorrow or the
day after. Hard to be sure about the hammers as they are so worn down... but
from what I saw today...through all the dirt... :) looked to be hammers that
were origional, and non leather coverered. Other indications I have... ie
"what the owner thought" leads me towards 1835 or later. I let you know what
these other indicators tell me. Thanks again.



Clark wrote:

> 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.

--
Richard Brekne
RPT, N.P.T.F.
Bergen, Norway