John Watlen c. 1815

John Watlen (or Watlin) was active from c. 1815 - 1837 at various addresses.  5, Leicester Place was the first of these, and he was at N° 13 by 1819, so weca confidently date this piano to his early years.  

This piano has an attractive case with round corners, and is in substantially original and complete condition.  The pedal leg is present, but the actual foot-piece appears to be a replacement.  

The green-painted shade is a rare survival, and all the ivories look good.

The action appears to be complete, and we are assured that all the notes play, although it is well out-of-tune and does need some attention.  

It has evidently been re-strung comparatively recently, with a new set of tuning-pins, and although there are a couple of breakages, it is likely that at least some of the strings will be serviceable.  The bridge and soundboard look good. There is a conspicuous joint in the soundboard, but these rarely cause any problems.  The presence of a large bolt at the top end of the row of wrestpins suggests that some time ago action was taken to stabilise the structure, but it seems that this was successful, as the case appears to be commendably free from distortion.

The piano is in Petherton, Somerset.  The ivory registration code is KBZTKE9L.  The price is £200. 

Please contact Edward Potter    edpotter6@gmail.com

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