Hello,  Joseph Osbourne asks about a Weber that he is restoring, saying
that it is a British-made one.  From Joseph's description, it is a
Weber model 60 from around the First World War.  These were made in the
Aeolian Company Ltd's large and purpose-built factory at Hayes on the
western outskirts of London.  The "Orchestrelle" name was changed after
the War to the "Aeolian Company Ltd", but was retained in Australia.

As in the USA, the Weber piano was the top-of-the-range model built by
Aeolian.  If you had wanted an even more prestigious name, the very same
Pianola action was available in a Steinway model K upright.  Grands, of
course were also available, and Weber, Steinway and (German-made, until
after the War) Steck were offered.

The Weber piano didn't have much 'history' in Europe, having been
first built in the USA by a German immigrant, Albert Weber.  However,
the Aeolian Company succeeded in promoting it here, and many of them
were sold.  Early British Weber uprights were built to a design by
Samuel Wolfenden, and were very high-quality throughout.  The later
ones reflected the wartime restrictions imposed on all manufacturers
here, but were still fine instruments, and those built in the 1920's
regained much of the superb quality of the early ones.

Joseph says that he can't find a serial number on his Weber.  He will
find one stamped into the top edge of the treble-end side panel of
the case, under the top lid.  The same number is usually found on the
soundboard, at the top of the bass end, and also on the back of any of
the removable case panels.

The design of the Pianola action will closely follow that of the
USA-built ones, and Joseph shouldn't encounter any problems with the
restoration. If he needs further help or advice, I'll be only to happy
to provide it.

Kind regards from a wintry Rye, England,
Mike Boyd