John G Murdoch Normelle Upright Piano

[lvanderk]

Hello-I have a piano with the number 11420 inside the lid with 116 above it...I am wondering how old the piano might be as I need to sell it and am trying to figure out its value. It has a label on it that says John G Murdoch & Co Ltd, 47 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle on Tyne. Thank you so much for any information!

[Colin Nicholson]

I believe Murdoch were founded in 1862, then became known as Spencer & Murdoch. Discontinued in 1942. The address in Newcastle could be a retailers, as Murdoch were originally London based.

The numbers you give dont match S&M serial numbers - this may be inside near the tuning pins, on the side panel inside, or on the soundboard. Any numbers punched on the edge facing the top lid (facing the ceiling) are usually stock or cabinet numbers - which are not recorded. Regrettably, pianos are not like cars, there is no ready available book to give values - you will need an on-the-spot/ onsite inspection by a piano tuner who specialises in and takes interest in piano values & history.

Look inside the piano, or remove the front top panel and the number may be there.
Bill may be able to give you more information.
Photos are also helpful.

Hope that helps

Colin

[Bill Kibby]

Unfortunately, Murdoch pianos cannot be dated by numbers, they are thought to have been made in several different factories, and used several different sequences of numbers.