A Very Early English Piano For Sale in The Netherlands
With compass from GG with a fused dummy GG#, this piano dates from around 1770 or earlier.
The fused GG/GG# key itself is missing, but the absence of a balance pin for the sharp confirms the pattern.
Sadly, the maker's name is missing. The style of the nameboard suggests that it is probably not by Zumpe, but rather from another early maker copying his design.
We have to say that restoration of this piano would be a challenge, but it appears that there are enough original parts to serve as models for those that are missing.
The portion of the soundboard with the note-letters under the wrestpins appears to be original, but the active part looks like an old replacement.
It has the usual three handstops for divided damper-lift and buff. In view of the poor condition of the ivories and the increasing complexity of ivory laws within the EU, these will be removed before sale.
One of the tiny hammers typical of these first square pianos, and a surviving damper.
The price is €1,000. Please contact Anders Muskens
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