[stevehoward8]

I am looking at possibly purchasing a Kirkman Grand that needs major work. I haven't heard of Kirkman as a manufacturer and wondered if it is a high end piano. It is dated 1864 and it's size is 7 feet. I also wondered if they still make pianos and if not, when they stopped manufacturing the Kirkman pianos.

[Bill Kibby]

Kirkman (originally Kirckman) is one of the most famous and earliest London makers, but talk of the "high end" of the market implies that an 1864 piano can be judged by modern standards. Victorian pianos are difficult to accomodate in the UK, and if I had the space, I would have received a number of them as gifts this year, not because they are poor, or in poor condition, but simply because of a peculiar prejudice against victorian pianos. If it were a table, people would be pleased to have it! Don't buy it on the basis of what it might be like after major restoration. Spend on it if you want to, but don't imagine it is an investment. I can quote for printing a booklet on Kirkman, and...
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I do not buy, sell or value pianos, but I sometimes rescue wood-frame pianos in the UK.

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

Email Bill@PianoGen.org

Piano History Centre