1843

AT MESSRS COLLARD AND COLLARD'S, CHEAPSIDE.

"THE NEW GRAND PIANOFORTES FOR THE QUEEN OF SPAIN et Messrs Collard and Collard's, Cheapside.

THE proud superiority of English skill, developed in many branches of useful and ornamental manufacture now common throughout the civilized world, is in no instance more self-evident than in the great improvements which, of late years, have been received with so much satisfaction in the musical world, namely, those which distinguish our Pianofortes, the standard qualities of which are everywhere acknowledged and appreciated.

We are led to this remark, and the notice with which we follow it, by the gratification we have felt in a recent visit to the extensive factory of Messrs Collard and Collard, in Cheapside, where we have inspected two superb Grand Pianofortes of firstrate pretensions, and which have just been completed for the Queen of Spain, and her sister the Infanta.

As it is in their musical character that they claim to be first considered, we shall say, at once, that they have herein surpassed our highest expectations.

From the extended reputation of the eminent makers, it might be well assumed that all that art has hitherto accomplished in this particular branch of manufacture would, in the present instance, be found concentrated; but we prefer taking them on their own intrinsic merits, and we can have no hesitation in asserting that for richness, power, and extreme beauty of tone, for lightness and elasticity of touch, and, in fact, in all the essential requisites of a fine pianoforte, these instruments are pre-eminent, and this opinion is entertained by the most distinguished pianists of the day.

Of their compass we have to observe that it embraces seven octaves, extending from A to A, and that in this material feature these instruments present a great difference from grand pianos in general, which are mostly confined to six octaves and a half, or C to F.

The action comprises all the most recent improvements, and is distinguished by the name of "repeater," by which term the peculiar mechanism of Messrs Collard's instruments are so well and favourably known to every class of pianists. It now remains to speak of the exterior of these truly regal fabrics, the embellishments of which display the highest taste.

The cases are made of British mottled oak of the most beautiful quality. The sides are divided into panels, richly ornamented with gilt carvings of suitable pattern.

The plinth is entirely formed of gilt carving in the beautiful style of Louis Quatorze, and from the chasteness and solidity of its design has a very handsome effect. Each instrument is supported on three elegant and massive trusses, of graceful proportions, boldly carved and gilt to correspond witlı the character of the main ornaments.

The lyre used for the pedal action is beautifully formed, and tastefully conceals the wires which connect it with the interior mechanism.

On opening the piano, the desk and candlestands attract attention from the fancy displayed on the fretwork, and the nice keeping of the accompanying decorations.

In fine, even the minutest composition of these magnificent instruments presents, in accordance with their more important attributes, an excellence which well sustains alike the character of British workmanship and the reputation of the eminent house by which these noble specimens of scientific and mechanical ability have been prepared." Illustrated Polytechnic Review, and Weekly Record of Science ..., Volumes 2-3, 30/09/1843, p. 176

"THE PIANOFORTES FOR THE QUEEN OF SPAIN AND THE INFANTA.-In reply to several of our friends who have applied to us on the subject of the beautiful instruments of which we gave a representation in a former number, we can state that Messrs Collard have, with great kindness, allowed those who have made application to inspect them.

Amongst the distinguished individuals who have expressed their admiration of the execution and the power of these pianofortes, have been the Duchess della Victoria and the Donna Eleisa.

Any subscriber to the Illustrated Polytechnic Review' may have an opportunity of seeing these superb specimens of English manufacture previous to their being sent out of the country, which we have reason to believe will soon be the case." Illustrated Polytechnic Review, and Weekly Record of Science ..., Volumes 2-3, 14/10/1843, p. 209

"This firm of piano-forte makers in Grosvenor street and Cheapside, London, is in direct succession, through Muzio Clementi, to Longman & Broderip, music publishers located at No. 26. Cheapside, as the parish books of St. Vedast show, as long ago as 1767.

Becoming afterwards piano-forte makers, their instruments were in good repute here and abroad, and it is a tradition that Gieb's invention of the square hopper or grasshopper was first applied by them.

Their business operations were facilitated by money advances from Clementi, whose position as a composer and pianist was the highest in England.

The fortunes of Longman & Broderip do not appear to have been commensurate with their enterprise; Clementi, about 1798-1800, had to assume and remodel the business, and the Haymarket branch passing into other hands we find him in the early years of this century, associated with F. W. Collard and others, presumbly out of the old Longman & Broderip concern, piano-forte makers in Cheapside.

There can be no doubt that the genius of this eminent musician applied in a new direction bore good fruit, but it was F. W. Collard, whose name appears in the Patent-office in connection with improvements in piano-fortes as early as 1811, who impressed the stamp upon that make of piano-fortes which has successively borne the names of "Clementi" and of "Collard & Collard." The present head of the firm is Mr. Charles Lukey Collard. A. J. HIPKINS." Watson's Weekly Art Journal, Volume 37, 17/06/1882, p. 179

"Messrs. Collard & Collard have withdrawn their prosecution on the footing that the defendants cease their manufacture of Collard, Collard & Co.'s pianos. The attention of the trade should be directed to a leading article on the subject." Music Trades Review, 15/09/1883, p. 27

ALLEGED FORGERY OF MESSRS. COLLARD & COL. LARD'S TRADE MARK.

"William Rutley, of Church Street, Soho, and Telemachus Collard, of Alexander Road, Holloway, appeared at the Clerkenwell Police Court, May 18th, to answer a summons charging them with having conspired and combined together to forge and counterfeit a certain trade mark, contrary to the Trade Marks Registration Act, and with applying the forged trade mark to a piano.

Mr. Poland prosecuted, and in opening the case said the complainants were the well-known firm of Collard & Collard, pianoforte manufacturers, of Grosvenor Street, Grosvenor Square. He thought the evidence would show that a very deliberate and scandalous fraud had been attempted by the defendants.

The history of the matter was that a person named William Henry Squires, who had been a practical pianoforte maker in the employ of the complainants, appeared to have conceived the idea of starting as a pianoforte maker, but thought he would be more successful if he got some one of the name of Collard to join him.

In the neighbourhood of Squires's residence, in the Charteris Road, Finsbury Park, the defendant Telemachus Collard carried on business with his son as a builder and decorator. An agreement was drawn up between them, whereby the firm of Collard, Collard & Co. was started, the defendant T. Collard and his son paying 40% as capital.

The legitimate firm, that of the complainants, was Messrs. Collard & Collard. Instruments were sent out by the defendants' firm bearing labels which it was contended were a fraud on complainants, and which were printed by the defendant Rutley.

The defendants had also, it was said, forged devices used on the top of billheads sent out by the complainants, and stamps inside the fall flaps of the pianos had, in addition, been copied. In regard to the defendant Rutley, it was stated that in 1870 two men were convicted at the Central Criminal Court, and it was discovered that Rutley was the person who printed the labels.

He gave an undertaking not to repeat the offence, but in 1877 Collard & Collard found that Rutley was doing the same thing again, and he was cautioned and again gave an undertaking. Mr. Poland produced portions of two pianos in court to show the resemblance between the trade marks, and pointed out that on the defendants' piano the number 4,876 was added, to give their instruments the appearance of being manufactured by a firm in extensive dealings. Mr. William Henry Squires was about to be examined as the first witness, when Mr. Barstow adjourned the further hearing of the case for a week.

On the 25th ult. Mr. Henry Squires was called and was examined by Mr. Poland. He lived at 11, Fore Street, Finsbury, and was a practical pianoforte maker. He had had thirty years' experience of the trade.

In December last he carried on a business at 27, Charteris Road as a piano maker. He was in pecu niary difficulties.

The defendant Telemachus Collard, who carried on business with his son as builders and house decorators at Alexandra Road, Holloway, called upon him with reference to a partnership, which was ultimately agreed upon; the firm to have the name of Collard, Collard & Co., defendant and his son being the two Collards, and he (Squires) the Co.

The stock was valued at 80%., and the two Collards brought in 40%. The name of the firm was painted outside the premises. In January witness and Telemachus Collard called on Mr. Howlett. Witness afterwards called on the defendant Rutley.

He took with him a printed memorandum form "From Collard, Collard & Co., pianoforte manufacturers, 27, Charteris Road, Finsbury Park," and the trade mark "C. C. & Co." He saw a specimen book of labels, and selecting a pattern ordered fifty, for which he was to pay 15s., and a block of the trade mark.

Rutley asked if the name Collard were fictitious, and witness replied in the negative, leaving an old envelope which had passed through the post to show it was genuine.

Telemachus Collard fetched the labels, and they were fixed to the fall of two pianos while witness remained with the firm of Collard, Collard & Co. One of these pianos went to Messrs. Kelly & Co., of Mortimer Street. Witness made part of the piano on which the label was put. Telemachus Collard did nothing to it, but his son did a little. Witness went to several places to dispose of the pianos, and amongst others to Messrs. Kelly.

Witness wrote in the name of Collard, Collard & Co. the following letter : "Gentlemen, I beg to inform you that I am carrying on the above business, having purchased plant and stock of A. Baker.

The first of the pianos are finished, and I should like your firm to see them before any other dealer. I shall be here all day to-morrow and Thursday, and shall be glad if you can give me a call any time in the day, and oblige yours respectfully (signed) T. Collard (pro Collard, Collard & Co.)."

A gentleman called and said he would report, and Messrs. Kelly & Co. subsequently wrote a letter refusing to buy the piano. The second piano, bearing the name "Collard, Collard & Co., London," was pawned by Collard to Mr. Harrison, 1, Clarendon Square, Somers Town, for 117.

It went in a van, Telemachus Collard accompanying it. The second piano was pawned with Fileman, of Hornsey Road, also by defendant Collard. This one was pawned before the labels were delivered. The piano subsequently delivered to Kellys was delivered after witness left, and while witness was there no piano was sold, but two were pawned.

Witness was next examined about the trade mark "C. C. & Co." He said defendant Collard made the pencil sketch produced.

Witness went with the defendant Telemachus Collard to order a stamp with the word "Collard" on it, another stamp with the word "& Co.," and another stamp with the word "London," and witness with the two Collards went to fetch them.

These stamps were to be used for stamping the wrest plank.

Witness received a letter | from the Trades Marks Office, in which the Registrar said, "The trade mark of which you have sent a specimen is not of a sufficiently distinctive character to be accepted for registration as a new trade mark."

The partnership was dissolved February 15th, and shortly afterwards a solicitor called upon him. Witness had only helped to make two pianos and a carcase.

Cross-examined by Mr. Ricketts for the defendant Telemachus Collard.

The partnership began in December, 1882, and terminated February 15th, 1883.

Witness did not first call on the Collards. He had no reason to doubt the genuineness of the name of Collard. Sometimes makers put their own names on the pianos they make, sometimes the names of the people for whom they make them.

A small manufacturer makes ten or twenty pianos a week, and out of the twenty the majority would have other people's names on.

Witness had never seen anything on a real Collard & Collard piano to indicate that they had a trade mark.

Witness never knew Collard & Collard to put "& Co." after their names, but many years ago the firm was Collard, Clementi & Co.

Most labels have scrolls, but the scroll used by Collard, Collard & Co. was different from that used by Collard & Collard.

When they dissolved partnership there was no arrangement that the style of the firm was to be altered, but witness now objected to them using the "& Co." after he left. Witness was the "Co." Pressed as to whether he would prefer the two defendants Collard to trade as "Collard & Collard," witness said he had nothing to do with that point. Kellys were quite aware the pianos were made by witness's firm.

They were pianos of ordinary construction, and there was nothing about them peculiar to Collard & Collard's pianos. Witness did not see defendant Rutley when he went to order the labels.

Mr. Herbert Saxelby proved the signature of the defendant Rutley to the undertaking signed in 1877.

Mr. Tomlinson proved the registration of Messrs. Collard & Collard's trade mark. There had been no refusal to register the trade mark of Collard, Collard & Co., but the matter had simply dropped.

On June Ist the examination was continued :Horace Wright, assistant to Messrs. Howlett & Co., gold tablet printers, of Frith Street, Soho, deposed that in January last the defendant Collard, in company with Squires, called respecting the printing of a name tablet. The names to be printed thereon were Collard & Collard. Witness inquired if they came from the firm of Collard & Collard. Squires replied, "This gentleman is Mr. Collard, and his son's name is Collard." Witness said he could not take the order without a letter from Collard & Collard. No order was given.

Two witnesses from Buck's, of Tottenham Court Road, proved the ordering by Squires and defendant Collard of three branding dies having the words "Collard," "& Co.,” “London." One of the witnesses proved that Squires further called in January last and ordered a die for the trade-mark. This die was shown to closely resemble the one used on the memorandum forms and bill-heads of Messrs. Collard & Collard.

Alfred Ingleton, clerk to Messrs. Kelly & Co, of Mortimer Street, deposed that on January roth last a communication was received by the firm from Collard, Collard & Co., 27, Charteris Street, Fins bury Square, offering pianos for sale. He believed a communication was made by Messrs. Kelly to the prosecutors. He afterwards went to 27, Charteris Street.

Squires and Telemachus Collard met him at the Finsbury Park Station, and he accompanied them to the factory.

He examined two finished pianos, and saw other pianos in course of construction.

Upon the finished pianos he found the name of Collard, Collard & Co. stamped on the wrest plank. The word "Co." was not concealed, but between the word "Collard" and the words "& Co." a large screw was inserted.

There was no label on the fall at that time. Squires told him that Collard was a cabinet maker, and that they were having labels printed by Rutley.

Asked Squires if he had a Collard model, and he said they had not, but they would try and make one. Witness promised to report to Messrs. Kelly, and to communicate their (Kellys') decision. He (witness) particularly spoke to Squires about the stamp used being "Collard, Collard & Co.," and Squires assured him that Messrs. Kelly should be perfectly satisfied on that point.

On the evening of that day witness wrote to Collard, Collard & Co., saying that as the pianos he had seen were not the Collard & Collard model, Messrs. Kelly & Co. could do nothing with them, but if they made any of that kind they might write to Messrs. Kelly again.

Mr. Clark, patent agent, of Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, proved being consulted in January last by Collard, Collard & Co. in reference to the registration of a trade mark. The necessary documents were prepared and sent to Charteris Street. Witness's fee not being paid, the trade mark was not registered.

Mr. J. C. Collard deposed that he traded with four others under the name of Collard & Collard. The business had been established about 120 years. In 1870 he had occasion to call on the defendant Rutley, who had been printing labels with the name of Collard & Collard upon them.

He was accompanied by Mr. Myson, his solicitor. Rutley then promised that he would not print any more labels in imitation of those used by witness's firm. Subsequently an undertaking was given by Rutley to that effect. The firm had registered their label as a trade mark, and their name on the wrest plank of their pianos was Collard & Collard.

In cross-examination witness said that there was nothing on their label to show it was a trade mark, that they never traded as Collard, Collard & Co., and that they were actuated to prosecute in the interest of the public, as the firm objected to any pianos being made with their name attached, unless they being distinctly showed that there was not any connexion. An assistant from Harrison's, the pawnbroker, proved the pledging of the piano by the defendant Collard. Was informed that the name Collard, Collard & Co. was that of the makers.

Mr. Ricketts urged that there was nothing distinctive in the label used by Collard & Collard to show that it was a trade mark, that the object of the Trade Marks Act was that a special design should be used, and that the label of Messrs. Collard & Collard had no such design.

He contended that there was nothing to prevent the defendant Collard from using his own name upon a label entirely different from that used by Collard & Collard, and in every instance from using the name thereon of Collard, Collard & Co. The defendants were ultimately fully committed for trial, bail being allowed." Music Trades Review, 15/06/1883, p. 17-18 - See also KELLY

Pianoforte for Cunard Steamer « Umbria »
designed by Mr. M. J. G. Burns, Glasgow
made by Messrs. Collard,
Building News: A Weekly Illustrated Record of the Progress of ...,
 Volume 47, 24/10/1884, p. 661

against cheap labour

A Piano Case,
 designed by C. F. A. Voysey,
 made by Messrs. Collard & Collard,
House & Garden, Volumes 3-4, 1903, p. 211 (usmodernist.org)

The Arts and Crafts Exhibition

COLLARD
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