Broadwood 1792 at Chorley's
These are my favourite pianos! First generation Broadwood squares with beautiful straight brass under-dampers. When skilfully restored, these pianos have a delightfully delicate tone and touch. This one is in the plain mahogany case with a trestle stand, which I personally prefer to the more elaborately inlaid 'elegant' style.
The sycamore nameboard and ivory keys are in fine condition.
The original paper label, in English and French, offers advice to the owner should any of the dampers require lubrication. We remember that 1792 was an 'interesting' year in France, when the Tuileries Palace was stormed by the mob, the First Republic proclaimed, and Louis XVI arrested and imprisoned prior to his execution the following year. Perhaps hardly a good time to be exporting pianos!
The serial number 1755 is clearly legible, as are the note letters (under the dirt!)
This image, and the one above, show a full set of wrestpins, hammers and dampers. This piano deserves a thorough clean and overhaul, including a new set of strings and cloths, but all the indications promise a good outcome.
The soundboard and bridge are good. The soundboard does show the usual open joints due to shrinkage, but as long as the barring underneath is secure they could be repaired by shimming from above. The hitchpins appear to be complete and intact, but of course the moths have feasted on the bearing-cloth. Fortunately Lucy Coad sells specially-made pure woollen cloth in the correct shade of soft 'Broadwood Red'.
The heading picture shows a pedal, the function of which is not clear; there is no visible evidence of a lid-swell or a damper-lift, the two most likely options. The auctioneer does mention 'structurally poor on base' which probably explains the extra woodwork on the stand.
The ivory exemption code for this sale is 4SVH1DUL; the estimate is £400 - £600.
Images by, and by courtesy of, Chorley's Auctioneers of Ptrinknash Abbey Park, Gloucestershire. www.chorley's.com
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