Chappell Upright c.age?

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Colin Nicholson
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Chappell Upright c.age?

Post by Colin Nicholson »

Bill,

Went to see a Chappell upright yesterday, surplus to my colleague's stock - wanting rid of it, so I offered to take it.
Looked everywhere for the serial number (not that they are 100% reliable) but couldn't find it. Action was already out because about 70 tapes in the middle section have broken from the hammer butt end, and time consuming putting it back in.... so I took the action back to my workshop - piano to follow in about 2-3 weeks.

Is it possible to roughly date this piano just on the action number alone? S 583523 L (see photo)
I think the bottom half of the label is missing (and stuck on / stamped upside down)

Has an oak veneered case, normal 3 rectangular panels, square tapered legs (20s style), double-bushed keys, pedal metal tube/steel rod design (not wooden rockers); 88 note - ivory / over-strung & under damped.... full frame with exposed wrest plank painted bronze/ Chappel decal on soundboard & crest on frame. Also has those horrible hammer butt springs attached to the damper slap rail.

When I get the piano, will look into more detail/ send photos.... but if you have any action number records, would be useful at this stage. I might be jumping the gun!
Chappell Action Number
Chappell Action Number
Colin
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Re: Chappell Upright c.age?

Post by Bill Kibby »

Yours appears to be a label for Otto Higel actions, which are mentioned on my Numbers page in connection with Chappell...

http://www.pianohistory.info/numbers.html

This picture shows one of their labels.
1920Higelabel3sz.jpg
Their numbering is strange but quite distinctive, and seems to include codes. V442720L is from a 1920 Chappell, and is dated 1920 for the action makers as well. It may be that the 20 on the end of the number is the year, in which case yours might be 1923, but I can't be sure. The action on another Chappell upright piano, dated 1922, is clearly marked “Otto Ingel”, but the system of numbering is very similar - S35522L. It will be interesting when you have the actual instrument, and perhaps find either a serial number around 68000, or a date label under the bottom keys... or both! I await with interest. :lol:
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Colin Nicholson
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Re: Chappell Upright c.age?

Post by Colin Nicholson »

Thanks Bill....

I didn't scroll far enough down your page yesterday (after Collard).... and discovered the extra info about Higel.
I pulled out the A1 key (very very tight) .... and no markings, so will ease the keys out gently when I get the piano. Unusual that the lower half / right side of the label is missing or possibly scrubbed out.... perhaps someone trying to claim the piano was younger. On the left side (top) of the soundboard (behind the pedal lift rod) would be the usual place, but this piano had the soundboard diagonally cut, exposing part of the back frame.... the serial number might be somewhere there. It seems a coincidence the last 2 digits match the year, so 1923 could be about right. Will investigate properly when I get the piano here.

Cheers
Colin
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Oooops...

Post by AlonzosCapy »

Sorry((( just want to contact admin of http://www.piano-tuners.org, is it possible?
Thnx!
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Bill Kibby
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Re: Chappell Upright c.age?

Post by Bill Kibby »

If it's a piano history problem, I can help, but if it is website business, I can't!
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If you find old references or links on this site to pianogen.org, they should refer to pianohistory.info
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Colin Nicholson
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Re: Chappell Upright c.age?

Post by Colin Nicholson »

Click on 'Return to piano history' at the bottom of the page, then at the top (announcements) box, click on "Barrie Heaton" .... Barrie may be able to help
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Piano tuning & repairs. Full UK restoration service
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Colin Nicholson
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Re: Chappell Upright c.age?

Post by Colin Nicholson »

Hi Bill,
Eventually got the Chappell in the workshop today. (Action & keys still in bits from Feb).... anyway, after other pianos, will make a proper start next week. I was determined to find the serial number, and after a night out, the torch came out.. and FOUND IT!! .... tucked away in an oval cast frame window (stamped on the wrest plank)
# 69573 in the apex.
Also on the right, a nice coloured coat of arms decal; wording "By Royal Command on his Majesty King of Spain" (will send photos another day). Is there any info about this decal / exhibition dates etc?....
Seems the label on the back of the action is as you suggested - about 1923 / 1924. Thanks

Colin
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Re: Chappell Upright c.age?

Post by Bill Kibby »

1924 seems likely according to the published numbers. The reference to the King of Spain appears in Chappell pianos by the 1890s. In 1924 they received a medal at the British Empire Exhibition, so it would be interesting to know if that is mentioned on the piano. Otherwise, the only medals that come to mind are the 1865 Dublin Exhibition and the 1888 Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne.
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Colin Nicholson
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Re: Chappell Upright c.age?

Post by Colin Nicholson »

Thanks Bill
Will have a better look next time for other markings
AA Piano Tuners UK

Colin Nicholson Dip. Mus. CMIT CLCM PTLLS
Piano tuning & repairs. Full UK restoration service
http://www.aatuners.com
Tuition ~ Accompaniment ~ Weddings
http://www.pianotime1964.com
Member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen
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