Knight: History/Date

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LGG61
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Knight: History/Date

Post by LGG61 »

Would you kindly let me know the date/origin on my daughter's Knight. The number ends 38671. Thank you very much. I am also really interested to know what the history of Knights has in connection to their address in Loughton, Essex. Thank you.
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Bill Kibby
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Re: Knight: History/Date

Post by Bill Kibby »

I'm puzzled. What's the rest of the number? Is it a serial number at all? The best I can tell you is that 338100 would be 1963, then...

KNIGHT NUMBERS from pianos I have tuned.
1967 #42500
1970 #47800
1971 #49400
1972 #50100
1973 #51900
1974 #54500
1975 #54700
1979 #62600

Got to http://www.pianogen.org and look at the Datemarks page. My own active research is aimed at antique British pianos, and I don't have the funding to cover modern research, but I am sure you will find Knight history on the net. You'll find some notes at

http://www.uk-piano.org/history/history_1.html

They were actually at Debden, Loughton, next to the Royal Mint.
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Bill Kibby
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Re: Knight: History/Date

Post by Bill Kibby »

38671 is the end of a patent number, which would be printed on a mass-produced transfer. It doesn't help us with the date. The serial number will be inside, and probably imprinted into the wood, or painted on the iron frame.
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KPA
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Re: Knight: History/Date

Post by KPA »

Hello, I am new here. I have a Knight Piano that I am trying to figure out the info on and also would like to try to figure out what it is worth. I got the Piano free, but I have no Piano knowledge. I only could seem to find the name on the front under the key cover. I am not sure if there is another location that I should look at for more infomation.
Thanks for any help.

KPA. E-mail Is kpagmail-1970@yahoo.com
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Bill Kibby
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Re: Knight: History/Date

Post by Bill Kibby »

Have a look at my Datemarks page at www.pianogen.org

To date it, you need to find the serial number.

Valuation is impossible without on-the-spot inspection.
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KPA
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Re: Knight: History/Date

Post by KPA »

I found some #s for the Knight Piano i have. I will list them exactly like they are on the piano.

Reg. Design 812773
British Patents 477297 496082 538671

Also there was a # @ the top right corner on the inside where the strings are . 30598


Thanks a ton for any info.
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Bill Kibby
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Re: Knight: History/Date

Post by Bill Kibby »

That would be 1961.
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KPA
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Re: Knight: History/Date

Post by KPA »

Thanks for your help. Would you happen to know any reputable appraisers in Chicago Illinois (USA)

Thank you! :
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Bill Kibby
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Re: Knight: History/Date

Post by Bill Kibby »

I'm sorry to say I don't know anyone of any kind in Chicago, but appraising a piano usually starts with a tuner.
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Knight Owner
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Re: Knight: History/Date

Post by Knight Owner »

I have a Knight #14569, wich I believe is 1954 or 1955. Fantastic piano and holds a tune very well. Made for an American climate. I still have the bench and it has all been well cared for. Can you tell me more about Knight and their American pianos? It is truly a part of the family and an old friend.
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Bill Kibby
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Re: Knight: History/Date

Post by Bill Kibby »

I'm sorry, I have no information about Knights being made in America, perhaps someone else on the forum has information for you. I suspect that it was made in England, specifically for export to the states.
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Colin Nicholson
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Re: Knight: History/Date

Post by Colin Nicholson »

It could be that the piano may have a badge or label on it somewhere (perhaps inside/ casework?) claiming that the piano has been adapted or modernised specially for a foreign climate - usually added by the retailer as a selling technique. I have seen this done in Australia.... a Yamaha U1 "specially adapted for Queensland territory" (words to that effect) .... however on closer inspection, the piano was no different to the ones I have seen & tuned back here in the UK. If the Knight piano was non-UK, should it not have a different serial number?

Sometimes various added labels/ badges are taken literally.... to make us feel that the piano has been specially nurtured for tornados, earth quakes, rain forests and other natural weather conditions :)
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Knight Owner
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Re: Knight: History/Date

Post by Knight Owner »

Mine has the "made for American climates" just above the low keys in the wood, just like the Knight label. Same gold lettering. If anyone has additional info I would love to know more, I'm the third generation owner (grandfather, mother, me) and it is definitely a part of the family. My 2 year old son even treats it respectfully.
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Re: Knight: History/Date

Post by vernon »

Never heard of any Knights being made outside of Loughton except in the very last days
Our mission in life is to tune customers--not pianos.

Any fool can make a piano-- it needs a tuner to put the music in it

www.lochnesspianos.co.uk
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Bill Kibby
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Re: Knight: History/Date

Post by Bill Kibby »

See the other posting for Knight, which says that the piano was made in England for the American market.
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