J White & Sons Chesterfield

[efgeorge]

Hello, I have recently been given an "Especially Selected for J. White & Sons, Chesterfield" upright grand piano. Oh my goodness. We have found numbers on the back of the top right hand side of "1392" and "1453". Also on the iron casting below the keyboard, is a number of "443". Also it has the name of "Clark" on the back of the piano struts and on the back of the kick-board, under the front of the piano. I can't find too much more information except for the blogs on your website,
maybe you can help?? We are planning on having the piano appraised in this next week and I would love to kinda know what they are talking about. Thanks so much for your help.
The Georges

[Bill Kibby]

In 1894, they were just known as "J. White", but by 1899 it was "J. White & Sons" so your piano is probably after 1894, but the firm continued until at least the 1939 war, so I cannot guess how old the piano is just by the name. No dates of serial numbers are available. "Especially selected" means White bought it in from an anonymous wholesaler. Clark was probably a worker at the factory. Have a look at
http://www.pianohistory.info/names.html

1886 is my first list covering Chesterfield, and White is not listed.
By 1894 Joseph White is at Chesterfield.
By 1899 J. White & Sons.
1914 White & Sons.
By 1928 they are listed as White’s (Music) Ltd.
1936 White’s Music Ltd.

[Bill Kibby]

I thought I would revive this old posting because it refers to the same dealer who sold the Hopkinson piano.