Challen Upright Piano 1881-1890

[janekel]

Hello, I am hoping someone out there can help me.

I have inherited a Challen upright piano in walnut with a serial number 15847. Having done some research I believe that it was manufactured between 1881-1890. My husbands grandmother and great grandmother who were piano teachers played on this piano and my own daughter learnt to play on it too (though not very well !!).

Unfortunately I am now moving house and have no room for the piano but want to find a good home for it or a reputable piano shop that would be interested in purchasing it. It will need some restoration work.

I apologise for my ignorance but I have no idea if Challen is a good make of piano or of its potential worth I just know that I do not want to put it in a skip or give it to some house clearance company.

Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Jane

[Bill Kibby]

The number suggests that it was made in 1883, and Victorian pianos are difficult, because they are too old for reputable piano shops, and not old enough for most museums and collectors, unless it is very unusual in some way. I am offered several each year for nothing, just to save them from destruction. As to the date, if you remove the front panel under the keyboard, there should be a large wooden post to your right, and it may have a date on it. Otherwise, there may be a date on the key of the bottom note.