John Broadwood & Sons

[Ravi]

Type of piano:    Grand
Serial number:    53889
Name on fall board:    John Broadwood & Sons
Number of octaves:    7 ¼
Compass:    A to C
Overall Width 4’ 7”    Overall Length 4’ 9”
I purchased the above piano in 1989, from the family that I believe owned it since it was produced. The Name on the fall board would suggest that the piano was pre 1901. However, what I think is the serial no (it was in large writting under the piano) suggests that it is from 1923. Further, the width, length, no of octaves, compass etc do not appear to conform to any piano produced by John Broadwood & Sons. Could anybody help me know more about this piano.

[Brian Lawson, RPT]

Look here:

https://www.uk-piano.org/broadwood/serial_numbers.html

[Ravi]

Thanks Brian,
Conflict detailed in my posting starts from this site.
Regards
Ravi

[chickering9]

Thanks Brian,
Conflict detailed in my posting starts from this site.
Regards
Ravi

I looked at their site and did find it strange that there is no model of the size you've given.  Is your measurement of length from front to back measured from the front of the keys to the back of the tail?

[Ravi]

Sorry for the delay in responding.

Yes the measurements are as you discribe.

On the official web site they say that depending on the name on the fall board the year of manufacture can be estimated to be pre 1901. However, the serial no (or what I think is the serial no) would suggest approx. 1923.

The last complication is that pianos with 88 keys or 7 1/4 octaves have only been made in full grand pianos.

Could it be that this is a piano specially made on order for a client?

[Brian Lawson, RPT]

Try asking here:
https://www.uk-piano.org/piano-forums/viewforum.php?f=2