Broderip & Wilkinson c. 1800 FtGH

The hitherto successful firm of Longman & Broderip was declared bankrupt in 1798,  and taken over by Muzio Clementi and partners.  Soon afterwards, Francis Fane Broderip entered a partnership with George Wilkinson and continued to sell pianos very similar in style to those that went before under the L&B label.  Broderip died in early 1807, so this piano may be dated to the early years of the nineteenth century, probably very near to 1800.

The ivories are in good condition, as is the finely-inlaid nameboard with its enamel plaque.

Internally it is in largely undisturbed original condition.  The hammers appear to be good, and it looks like a good prospect for the necessary restoration.

It deserves a new set of strings, but most of the original set are there as a reference.  The wrestpins are original; the corner fretwork is missing (but I could provide a pattern).

When pedals become detached, they are nearly always lost, but remarkably this one has survived.

Another welcome survival is the shade.  These are NOT 'dust-covers' - that is what the lid is for - they have an acoustic function in minimising any action noise and smoothing the tone.  But I do not fancy the colour - a repaint for sure!  It would almost certainly have been that elusive shade of green arsenic-based paint.

It is in the London area, and is generously offered Free to Good Home.

Please contact Jeremy Raymond  jeremymraymond@aol.com

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