Harrods upright piano, no maker details

[mister_b]

I’m trying to find some info on a Harrods piano. There is no manufacturer’s name, only a plate inside left: ‘Supplied by Harrods Ltd. London. No. 28346’.

Embossed on the metal behind strings:

‘PATENT NO.S
16794-09
174220
176431’

also embossed on the metal at the base:

‘621’, ‘1689’, and ‘3’.

The actions are made by ‘Herrburger, Brooks, Ltd. London’.

I’ve attached some photos. Can anyone give me an idea of age and maker?

Thanks in advance!

[Bill Kibby]

Herrburger Brooks puts it after 1919, and if the number is preceded by H, it would have been sold in 1929, but it may not have been new then.

If you want to search for clues inside the piano, have a look at
http://www.pianohistory.info/datemarks.html

[Gill the Piano]

Harrods used to have an archivist and it's just possible he could look up the Horrid's serial number for you. Worth a shot.

[mister_b]

Thanks Bill Kibby and Gill the Piano for your replies.

I think a piano tuner we had years ago contacted Harrods as he was also interested to find some info on the piano. As far as I remember they couldn't help.
Contacting Harrods may still be worth a try, though since they closed their music section a few years ago it might be more tricky to find someone who can tell me anything.

Only other marks I can spot are 'John Ralph' written on the side of both end keys. The first two lower keys have 32450 stamped on top where the others are numbered.

Searching the forum John Ralph seems to be just a Harrods name, so perhaps the piano is just a Harrods 'own brand' piano?

[Bill Kibby]

Yes, John Ralph was a name used by Harrods, we don't know who actually made them. Key numbers are not usually traceable. Ralph serial numbers were at 99,000 in 1926, as mentioned on my Numbers page at
http://www.pianohistory.info/numbers.html

This should be visible just by opening the top.

The Harrods stock number is 1929.

[Colin Nicholson]

The serial number for the piano may be located on the left side, just below the first few bass dampers.... and sometimes involves removing both action bolts, then reclining the action towards you (disconnect pedal lift rods first).... sometimes it is punched numbers on the soundboard.... might be there.

Looks similar to a Bell London/ Chappell / Challen design.

On a Bell London piano I once refurbished, I found a date mark stamped on one the underside of the undercarriages, but not all are date stamped.