Collard & Collard 1844

This handsome Collard & Collard, in largely original condition, is one of the best that we have seen.  It bears the ink serial number 40321, representing the tally of all pianos made the firm starting with the 5½-octave Longman & Broderips in 1796, and continuing through the Clementi years.  Thanks to research by Leif Sahlqvist, we can date this one to 1844.  

'Patent Repeater' refers to an advanced form of the action, almost certainly featuring back-checks.  The gold name-transfer bears homage to the great Muzio Clementim who died in 1832; the Collard brothers (William Frederick and Frederic William) had actually been running the business for the whole of the nineteenth century.

The soundboard looks good, and the strings appear to be original, with one replacement.

The bridges on these later pianos are prone to cracking where the grain is 'short', but this one is perfect!  The owner tells us that all the notes play, except for the top F, which needs some attention.

This piano is in Pembrokeshire.  The exemption code in compliance with the UK Ivory Act 2018 is XMGZQ6T6.  The price is £300.  Please contact Lavinia Bourne berllandeg@btinternet.com

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