[Zaid]

Hello, My Father-in-Law has recently bought a house in Portugal and all it's contents. There is an Astor & Horwood piano in reasonable condition. Would you know anything about it? Is it worth looking into? It seems quite old and may have had some restoration work done to it. Its the normal piano shape, not an upright and not square. Anything you could tell me to get me started would be much appreciated.

[Barrie Heaton]

Est 1815 was know as George Astor his brother Johon emigrated to the USA in c1789

The last address was 79 Cornhill London However, Bill may have more info on them.

As to it being worth restoring you will need a local piano tuner to look at it However, with the piano being in Portugal woodworm is a big problem out
there as well as the heat.

Barrie,
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Barrie Heaton
Web Master UK Piano Page

[Bill Kibby]

I don't know if there is any evidence to support the idea that they were established in 1815, although that was their first listing in London directories. Around 1810, they are said to have made 6-key clarinets. In 1822, Astor & Horwood were last listed at 79 Cornhill under this name. Horwood began his partnmership with Gunther: Pigot's Directory of London, 1822, lists Gunther & Horwood, Pianoforte makers, 31, Little Queen Street, Holborn. [Address previously listed for Robert Gunther.]

"Circa 1816" is a good estimate for any Astor & Horwood piano.
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I do not buy, sell or value pianos, but I sometimes rescue pre-1880 pianos in the UK.

My own website: http://www.pianogen.org

Email Bill@PianoGen.org

Piano History Centre