James Henry Houston c. 1793
Several makers operated from the premises on the corner of Edward Street and Wardour Street at the end of the eighteenth century, the sequence punctuated by the usual fires and bankruptcies. Names included Garcka, Bates (1792 only) Houston, and finally Tomkison.
Soundboard and bridge look good - wrestplank with original pins and note-letters. Pattern of open-covered, brass, and steel strings looks correct.
The video clip below gives us a tour of the piano, including the single handstop to raise the dampers.
QuickTime video format [5.2 MB]
I once had a Houston - an early example of a 5½-octave piano. It had a delightful silvery tone.
This piano is in Pembrokeshire. It has been registered for exemption in compliance with the UK Ivory Act 2018; the code is BM3P81QQ.
The price is £1,000.
Please contact Lavinia Bourne berllandeg@btinternet.com
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