[jbrianlong]

Hi.

My son has been given a piano (our first), and we cannot seem
to find out much about it. I have searched the internet to no avail
and I even paid a company in Chicago $10.00 to research it for
me, but they could find nothing in their files about it either
(to my pleasant surprise, they refunded my payment, though I
didn't care a bit to compensate them for their time).

The name on the keyboard cover indicates it is a "Wakefield",
and this is also indicated on a wooden plate inside the piano
above the hammers ("New York" and "Vertical Grand" are also
engraved on the plate). The serial number is stamped on the
back of the piano: 53403. The wood appears to be mahogany,
but I am no expert on things like that, so it very well may not
be.

If the numbers inside the piano are dates, it appears to have
been tuned and/or serviced twice in 1953 and once in 1978.
It's in need of tuning and/or servicing again...

Even so, it sounds great (to my untrained ear, anyway. Very
resonant. Fills the house.)

Does anyone know anything about this beast, this wonder,
this mystery of a machine that now inhabits my son's bedroom?

--J Brian Long

[Bill Kibby]

The Pierce Piano Atlas lists this name, with no information whatsoever, just "Wakefield". You'd think that if someone saw the piano, they would be able to say more than that! An index I saw somewhere years ago in the mists of the internet listed the name, but again, no information. I suppose we have to assume that it is a New York piano.

We have nothing, but then, it's foreign to us. Any further clues will be hidden inside. Have a look at the Datemarks page at www.pianogen.org
_________________
I do not buy, sell or value pianos, but I sometimes rescue pre-1890 pianos in the UK.

Have a look at the Datemarks page on my own website: http://www.pianogen.org

Piano History Centre

[jbrianlong]

Mr Kibby,

Thank you so much for the reply. Per your suggestion, I took a
look at the webpage and then searched the frame for any stamps.
I did find two. At the bottom center were three numbers:

10 9 5

and then in the upper left-hand corner was simply:

9

Also, I am beginning to doubt that the piano was serviced
in 1978, as I have just noticed a slightly worn "#" in front of
what I thought was 12478 translating as either January 24, 1978
or December 4, 1978. Now, I am wondering if #12478 is an
employee number or what-have-you.

Does the inclusion of any of these new discoveries help?

If not, do you have any suggestions as to who else might
know (maybe someone on this side of the pond)?

Again, I sincerely appreciate the reply!

--J Brian Long

[Bill Kibby]

Sorry, I would have said, but there doesn't seem to be an American equivalent to PianoGen. Have a look again at the same page, and specific references to two American frame suppliers, whose last digits have to be adjusted. Any chance you could email some photos to me?
_________________
I do not buy, sell or value pianos, but I sometimes rescue pre-1890 pianos in the UK.

Have a look at the Datemarks page on my own website: http://www.pianogen.org

Piano History Centre

[jbrianlong]

Dear Mr Kibby,

I would be glad to send some photos.

Do you only want ones of the exterior or are you looking for
photos that show the marks and plate I mentioned as well?

Thank you again for your effort and assistance!

--J Brian Long

[Bill Kibby]

A picture of the whole piano, unobstructed by dogs, vases, stools etc. would be useful, any other details are a bonus. In time, this information may combine with others to tell us more.
_________________
I do not buy, sell or value pianos, but I sometimes rescue pre-1890 pianos in the UK.

Have a look at the Datemarks page on my own website: http://www.pianogen.org

Piano History Centre

[jbrianlong]

Followup on the Wakefield:

Having searched a few more places, I have found listings for a

"Marvin-Wakefield Piano Co" in Phoenix, Arizona,
a "Wakefield Piano Co" in Reading, Massachusetts,
and a "Wakefield Piano Co" in Akron, Ohio,

all ranging in dates from the mid 1800's to the 1930's.

Nothing is to be found (just yet, anyway)of a factory in New York,
though.

Was it common for piano companies of that time to move their
operations from city to city or to have "branch locations" abroad?

Knowing now that these listings exist, does anyone have any
suggestions as to how to continue?

--J Brian Long