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Hi there!

My name is Paulo Esteireiro and I found a Thomas Tomkison square piano, with the serial number 6607.

Could somebody give me some information about the year of manufacture and possible value? And a possible place for restoration?

Thanks

Paulo, you should read the Tomkison Page on the "Friends of Square Pianos" web site.

On this page Norman MacSween writes:

"Given these helpful parameters, we hope to be able to provide detailed and reliable comparative information for anybody interested in Tomkison and the development of the English piano between 1800 and 1850. The register will also, we intend, shed light on the general survivorship of square, and his other models of piano, both by outright percentage and any perceptible bias by style or other factor. Any information you might like to contribute should please be sent to ttregister@hotmail.co.uk. We have already compiled a register of known pianos, where willing owners can either be named or referred to as private, by preference. This colour coded and comparative register, in PDF format, will be made available to anybody who would like to receive it. The most valuable information you can provide is the serial number and details of the type, action, compass, case and legs. Pictures of course are the best and preferred tool and we keep a photo library as well. The register will also serve in due course as a feeder to the major Clinkscale online project . Following the spirit and practice of FSP, we welcome the input and advice of Friends and hope to provide a useful facility to all. Thank you very much for any assistance you can give."

I suggest that you contact the email address given, and you should get an answer to your question. Also, I think that Mr MacSween will be most interested to learn the details of your instrument.

I will contact Mr MacSween to draw his attention to your post.

Unrestored square pianos do not have a large monetary value - you may get some idea of values from looking through the "Instruments for Sale" page on the Friends of Square Pianos web site.

There are a number of respected restorers of square pianos in the UK. I could give you some suggestions, or you could contact David Hackett on the "Friends" web site. However, I do not know the situation in Portugal.

David, thank you so much for your suggestions. I've already sent a message to ttregister@hotmail.co.uk some weeks ago but I didn't receive any answer.
The Friends of Square Pianos web site was very useful! Thanks
Finally, I would like to know some suggestions of restores of square piano in the UK. The Tomkison piano it's in a portuguese Museum and they're looking for respected restores. Any help that you can give me it would be important for us.

I tuned a Clementi square piano in Glasgow, which had been beautifully restored by Lucy Coad: http://www.squarepiano.co.uk/

Thank you for your suggestion

Paulo, I am very busy through to the weekend, but give me a few days and I will be in touch.

OK. Thanks, David.

I forgot to mention David Winston's Period Piano Company, in Kent. www.periodpiano.com Best of the best.

Paulo, you should have received an email from Tim Harding of the Tomkison register.

David, Thanks for all your help!

I should think that Puresound SS wire would be an appropriate material to string such an instrument.

Pwg

Not if you are going for authenticity.

BDB,

Why?

Pwg

Because stainless steel was invented after that piano was made.

But the characteristics of the PS SS are much closer to what was there originally. True, if in fact you could factually determine what it was originally strung with AND reproduce it authentically, I'm with you.

Pwg

There are those who draw iron wire through steel plates the authentic way. And who determines what "much closer" means?