I have a client with a H. F. Miller piano

www.ejbuckpiano.com/Miller.html

At the bottom of the page are 2 photo's of an antique bench.

First like it I have ever seen....

Any here know of benches like this from the 1880's ???

Thanks,
Larry

That is an Edwin Brown action, is it not?

BDB,

Thanks, I don't know the maker of the action. What do you know about it?

As far as I know, they were only used by Chickering and Henry Miller. There are a lot of old Edwin Brown action Chickerings, and there may actually be parts available for them somewhere.

The piano has been in the family since new and well cared for. As the Parents are getting older they are deciding on where things are going.

They have asked for an appraisal and information.
Kids are interested in keeping as much family history as they can.

Anything helps.

Thank You

Interesting that the piano is 88 notes and overstrung, full plate ... single escapement action.

Interesting discovery Larry, the legs on the instrument are almost the same as the square grand I have here in a corner. Especially the bell shaped bottom of the leg that hides to castor, a very nice cabinet.

On the bench, I have never seen one, and I would be cautious about refinishing that one. It could de-value it quite a bit…. I have a couple of unusual ones here I have left in original condition, and found out later it was a wise decision.

Schaff may have a source for parts on that action. I found they had the unusual brass flanges for the Chickering I did here 2 yrs. ago. But that one was a double escapement……

Up this way I have never had a chance to view a Henry Miller instrument. Looks like a quality build in its day from what I can see in the photos. Yes it is interesting to see the instrument with the modern design and then the old action design to run it with. I have seen a number of English pianos like that over the years.....

The Edwin Brown is a double escapement action. There is a spring on the piece between the jack and the hammer shank that makes it a double escapement.

Nice gate leg table!the bench & action that are sitting on it also helps make room for more piano space or parts!

Thanks BDB, Do you have a recommendation for finding out more on Edwin Brown?

BDB,

BTW, this thread and your comments are already a #3 return on a Goggle search ....

Frank deserves a standing O

Very interesting piano and bench. I particularly like the antique dust bunny peeking out from under the keys...

Thanks for the info on Edwin Brown, BDB. Here's an interesting link that might prove useful.

Edwin Brown Information http://www.geocities.com/threesixesinarow/browna.htm

I looked at one like Dan described not so long ago: brass flanges and double escapement.

Just looking at the action again, the bass hammers are double stapled..

FWIW, The family has no plans to rebuild or refinish anything. At the moment we are documenting the history. I will be back to the piano to take more comprehensive photo's with better light.
I might also bring the action to the shop to clean and photograph.

I still think the bench is unusual ...