Broadwood 1806

Free to Good Home

This Broadwood is number 8805, which dates it to 1806.  However, it is not quite what it appears to be.  We see from the image below that it has the beautiful brass under-dampers as expected for this date.  However, it stands on four turned legs rather than the original French stand.  

This image also shows the soundboard and bridge to be in good condition as far as we can see.  The open joint due to shrinkage is very common; easily shimmed from above, and never seems to have any effect on the sound anyway,

The satinwood nameboard adds to the puzzle: the inscription is for John Broadwood and Sons (plural) the style adopted after 1809 when Thomas Broadwood, John's son by his second wife, came of age and was made partner.  We may deduce from this that the piano was returned to the workshops for refurbishment, possibly after a period as a hire instrument, and the calligraphy updated.  The change to the undercarriage could have been made at this time, although the style with four legs (rather than six) was not introduced until about 1830.  It may be possible to confirm this from the original records which are held in the Surrey History Centre.

The nameboard frets have been lost, but it is relatively simple to make a new pair - a pattern s available.  This piano does need some work, but it is very generously being offered Free to Good Home.  As an unconditional gift, it is not necessary for it to be registered for exemption under the UK Ivory Act 2018.  It is in the Devizes area (Wiltshire); the owner may be able to help with transport for a short distance. 

Please contact Richard Metcalfe   richard1.metcalfe@googlemail.com

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