Attributed to John Henry Houston, fl. 1790-1799

satinwood banded with kingwood, ebony and boxwood strung, with a mahogany, yewwood and fiddleback mahogany interior, ivory and ebony, raised on a rectangular stand

Ronald G. Chambers, Petworth

This is lovely quality. It is in very good restored condition. There are old marks and scratches throughout. A small section of the hinged lid replaced (approx. 6cm long). The workings appear to be in good restored order.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Houston was a high quality piano maker with premises at the ‘corner of Edward Street and 95 Wardour Street, Soho’. He acquired, with two other business partners Lewis and Hyde, the music publishing business of John Bland which traded at 45 High Holborn, but this was dissolved in 1795. Many pianos made by Houston were sold under the auspices of piano dealers or music publishers. This included music publishers such as John Bland, which explains the music publishers name above the keyboard.