John Broadwood & Son

With a bit of research, I've discovered that the Broadwood grand #3448 is pictured on page 87 of the English version of Ernest Closson's The History of the Piano, after finding a reference to it in an article by Kenneth Mobbs, "Stops and other special effects on the early piano." (Early Music, Volume 12, No. 4, November, 1984; footnote #6, page 476.)

John Broadwood & Son fortepiano

The finished product.

 

 

Broadwood piano action

The action, before and after restoration.

Broadwood fortepiano action

Another view of the action, before and after restoration.

 

Broadwood fortepiano action

The unrestored action, with the signatures of Cochran and Bishop, two of the many craftsmen who worked in the Broadwood factory.

John Broadwood & Son

Fortunately, the previous caretakers of this instrument appreciated the importance of preserving any component that had become separated, such as these veneer chips and hammers. (Click on images to enlarge.)

John Broadwood & Son Fortepiano, Maker's Number 3448

It was customary for the Broadwood firm to mark the maker's number on the belly rail, wrestplank, stand, and music desk. Pictured below is the maker's number, 3448, inscribed in pencil on the lower belly rail, stamped on the top of the front section of the stand, and in ink on the bass section of the wrest plank. (Click on images to enlarge.)

 

The desk for this instrument, however, is stamped with the maker's number 1622.

Unfortunately, instrument number 1622, built in 1799, does not appear to have survived.

Broadwood Fortepiano

A view of a section of the newly installed strings.

Broadwood fortepiano restoration

Here is a view of the interior, from the underside, showing the newly repaired and reinstalled soundboard, treble brace, and secondary liner along the spine.

A view of the top, showing the new and original sections of the hitchpin rails, as well as the newly shimmed and shellacked soundboard.

Another view of the top.

Broadwood/square nails

Before there were Home Depot, Ace or True Value Hardware stores, builders and craftsmen relied upon their local blacksmith for their supply of hand made nails, such as the ones pictured here.

They will be carefully straightened and reused in the installation of the keybed and case bottom.

Broadwood piano soundboard

Here is a view of the underside of the soundboard, with linen cloth applied on the cracks, and of the soundboard re-installation.

Broadwood Restoration

A view of the interior of the instrument with the soundboard removed.