The family chooses to believe that our name Player came from Pleyel
due to immigration and anglicising or mis-spelling etc. This would
have happened in the late 1700's. Ignaz Pleyel was an Austrian
composer and piano maker. My grandfather was Richard Player who
emigrated to New Zealand about 1860's. Some records show the names
Pleyel, Playel and Player. Pleyel Piano's are very well \known nad
there is still a factory in the south of Frnce. It is said Richard
Player held the franchise for Pleyel Piano's in New Zealand, but I
have no documentary evidence. I would like to know if there is any
evidence of a Player/Pleyel link, I do not mind whether it is yes or
no, so long as it is convincing and factual (as far as that is
possible)

---

Clarification of Question by mouseyxyz-ga on 03 Apr 2004 15:34 PST

Thank you Freddie,          Question ID323420
                  The question is-----  Some Player family members
believe that family geneology tracks back to one Ignaz Pleyel, and
Austrian piano maker and composer, lived about 1760 or so. The claim
is that some of his descendants emigrated to England at about the time
of the Napoleonic wars, their name became anglicised to Player. That
would have been in the middle 1800's. It is quoted as 'evidence' the
claim that Richard Player, my grandfather, held the franchise for
Pleyel Piano's in New Zealand.
Did any descendants of Ignaz Pleyel emigrate to England? In records is
the name Betty Playel, a chance of mis-spelling exists. Laws regarding
name change in England back then are loose to say the least.
 Can any valid link be found between Pleyel and Player?  I have plenty
of opinion, little fact. I am really looking for reputable
information, whether for or against----just no arguable doubt.
Thanks,
Ron Player

Dear Ron,

It may be helpful to mention your previous question (just to avoid
searching for websites already found):
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=310460

Regards,
Freddy