O/T: Finding info on a piano

I was recently given a piano for my 9-year old daughter to play. Any suggestions where to find age/value information? It's a Haddorff upright, serial # 16197. At least, I'm guessing this is the serial number. It's the only info on it, other than the manufacturer's name. This number is located inside the piano, on the top left, above the strings.

From what I've found so far, it's a 1906 model. However, I don't know how accurate the site is that I used.

Opinions and suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,

Anthony

We have a similar upright Beckwith (Chicago 1901) it plays very well and is easy to repair and tune. We have it done about once per year (tuning).
Value depends on playability, finish condition, and sound board condition. If it is very good it might be worth 800$ but all old pianos are not created equal, nor were they treated well. Some are just scrap (and not much of that) and other rare or major brand pianos are worth more than a house. Here is a little on yours, JimN
http://www.sweeneypiano.com/interstate/manufacturers/manu_details.cfm?muID=44

Wow. I'm always amazed at the breadth and depth of knowledge of the folks on this board. I think that between all of the regular memebers, someone knows something about just about everything.

We have a Kurtzman upright that my grandmother bought sometime before she was married in 1920, and several tuners have told us to never get rid of it.

In the ad section of the april 1889 'American Agriculturist' magazine they have an ad for pianos made by 'Marchal & Smith Piano Co.' that lists pianos for $150. to $1500. guaranteed six years. Looks like the customer could pick his degree of quality back then too. Jim

Ain't that the truth!

Vito

This is why I come here often, to be able to find knowledgeable information on just about anything.

Although we all probably came from a farm we have other interests as well.

I love old tractors and when someone mentions an old JD or Farmall I get nostalgic.

But these other topics keep me coming back.

Google "Haddorff upright Piano". There is a lot info there.

Some old upright pianos might be worth lots of money, but most aren't. The ones that look nice as pieces of furniture are worth more than pianos that are beat up.

But what I would look for in an old piano is how it sounds. Some of the big old pianos had very heavy sounding boards and can sound almost as good as a true grand piano. I would have someone who plays piano help you evaluate it. They will be able to tell you if it plays easily, or if the actions are sticky. Another thing to look at is the condition of the keys. If the ivory is in good condition, with few chips, the piano probably has received good card. There are ways of replacing ivory, but I bet it is a hassle.

I would suggest having it tuned after you get it home. A nice sounding piano is much easier to learn on than one that sounds bad--the tuning is worth the money. The piano also should be placed along an inside wall if possible, and out of drafts, as it will stay in tune better that way.

I hope your young student enjoys the piano and learns it well. My parents had me take lessons from the time I was 8. I got reasonably good, but hated to perform. But now, nearly 50 years later, I love to just spend time messing with the same old piano. I can lose myself when I am playing, sometimes for many hours. The "upright grand" Kimball that my grandfather bought used in the 1920's is my most-prized possession. One of my sons has already asked for it when I am gone.

According to my Pierce Piano Atlas, you are correct in that your piano is a 1906 model. They also made Clarendon & Bush & Gerts pianos, along with Temple, Brooks, Evans, and Zellner. Made them from 1901 to 1960. I tune from time to time mostly for myself and friends. If anyone wishes to find the year of their old piano, get the serial # inside or sometimes on the back of the piano, and the manufacturer (name above the keys) and give me a holler. I will look it up for you.
Leon in Mn.