[J. S. Wells, Pianoforte & Organ Dealer and Tuner, Banbury.] Useful Hints on the Preservation of Pianos. [printed by Cheney & Sons, Banbury]

Printed in blue ink on both sides of a piece of 12 x 15 cm grey card, folded once to make a 12 x 7.5 cm bifolium, with the outer covers individual pages and the central opening a double-page spread. In very good condition. A tasteful production, with each page enclosed within a ruled border, along the four sides of which are various details and offers. The central opening carries the text headed 'Useful Hints on the Preservation of Pianos', beginning 'Great care should be exercised as to the position of the Instrument: it should never be placed againsst an outer wall, or too near the fire, the door, nor to the open window. Damp being one of the greatest destroyers of the piano, a short distance from the fire and from the inner wall is the best position. It must be kept free from dust, pins, and beads, as they often either cause a jar or make the keys stick down.' Outside border at head of page: 'Pianos in stock by Broadwood, Collard, Brinsmead, Kirkman, Hopkinson, Chappell, Steinway, Chickering, Schiedmeyer, Bechstein, Neumeyer, &c.' And at foot of page: 'American Organs by Clough & Warren, Estey, Mason & Hamlin, Sterling Organ Co., Smith Organ Co., &c.' The back cover carries 'Terms for Tuning', including 'N.B. - In consequence of the large increase in his Tuning connection, J. S. W. has engaged a thoroughly experienced Tuner to assist him, from Messrs. Collard & Collard, London.' Scarce: no copy on COPAC or OCLC WorldCat. From the archive of Cheney & Sons, 'General, Commercial & Artistic Printers, Banbury'. For more about the firm see 'John Cheney and his descendants, printers in Banbury since 1767' (1936) and the Victoria County History volume for the County of Oxford, Banbury Hundred.