<HTML> <TT>We added to our growing collection of strange instruments this weekend. Unfortunately, this piano is fairly rough (fell off a truck): one side is smashed and a former owner couldn't bear to part with the case parts that could be removed. There isn't a name on the plate, so all there is from which to determine who manufactured this piano are its features.</TT><TT></TT> <TT>The action is abbreviated. The capstans are round-head screws which insert into a slotted hole in the stickers; these are only pinned to the "wippens," in turn which are pinned to the hammer "butts" and there is a tension spring between the sticker and the "jack." So far, no flanges.</TT><TT></TT> <TT>The jack is 25mm long and lets off along its top; it also functions as a knuckle and a primitive check. The hammers and dampers are pinned to the same flange, which also hold the let-off  screw. The hammer butt extends below the flange to the wippen, with a slot for the jack, which pushes against the top corner of this slot. The dampers are arranged in a scheme similar to bird-cage actions in reverse, with the cage behind the action.</TT><TT></TT> <TT>The pinblock is metal - for each section there are plates screwed onto the plate. The pins do not protrude from the back; there is no wood reenforcement behind the pinblock and there are no backposts. Both the soundboard grain and the ribs are angled, but there is one central rib which is double the width of the others.</TT><TT></TT> <TT>It looks to be from the 1880's, with nice finish and veneer but is fairly plain.</TT><TT></TT> <TT>I'd appreciate any leads.</TT><TT></TT> <TT>Clark</TT></HTML>