Piano serial numbers

[perc-o-prince]

The green circle shows where the pedal rod would enter the piano forte (if I had it).

 

[perc-o-prince]

.

 

[perc-o-prince]

serial number

 

[washernoob]

What an incredible piece of music history you have there! That really is one gorgeous piece, and incredibly rare to be in such condition.

Do treasure it forever! To own something like this, especially in the United states, which was very young at the time, is something that very few can claim.

 

[perc-o-prince]

Thanks, Brandon!

I do treasure it I do think that someone has put some work into it. The felts look fairly new and some of the strings look new but it seems to have been done by a pro.

I don't know if this came over to the states very early in its life. The auction gallery that I purchased it from works on an international level. Either way it's a pleasure to look at and daydream about who may have played on this instrument. The sound is very thin and metalic. There are youtube videos of these piano-fortes being played. Do a youtube search for square piano and you will find many! It's an aquired sound!!

Rich[this post was last edited: 11/27/2011-13:54]

 

[abcomatic]

Rich

Rich, Wow, you have a wonderful piano; I have never seen one in a person's house. I have seen one similar to yours in the Smithsonian Institute. Congratulations on such a find and thanks for all of the pictures. Gary

 

[perc-o-prince]

Thanks, Gary

I consider myself lucky to be one of the custodians of such a nice piece of possible music history.

Now I need to find someone to possibly work on it. My tech was very hesitant and he's been a tech for more than 30 years.

Rich

 

[washernoob]

There are only a very select few groups of people in the country that know much about these!

I dont know if you are a member or not, but PIanoworld is gotta be the number one source of knowledge for this stuff! Check it out!

 

[perc-o-prince]

Thanks, Brandon. I'll check it out. Just hoping that someone can tell me more about it

Rich

 

[crevicetool]

Rich,

Check out Hubbard Harpsichords. They may know of someone that has built one of their kits. It doesn't look like they offer them anymore - but they used to have pianoforte kits. And, they are still in Massachusetts. The website may have some information.

I met Diane Hubbard in 1994 and talked to her for quite a while. She is a wonderful person. (If she is still with us - it's been a while), but the business looks to be doing well.

As to the date of your instrument - you can be assured that it is no later than 1825. That is when the iron frame was first being used to support the tension of the strings. It didn't show up in grand pianos until 1840 when Chickering invented one.

I looked your piano's name up in my Pierce atlas as well, and got nothing - sorry.

It's a great piece!

http://www.hubharp.com/

 

[petek]

F Janciewicz

Not sure if you have/read this Rich.. some history much like what you reported above.

As you can see the name spelling from a J to a Y

It's quite possible that he had these built for his music warehouse business by someone. From the decal on the front it could be read the piano "brandname" is PATENT,, the new and improved PATENT piano-forte, Model 25 Sold by F, Yaniewicz. The handwriting inside being his inventory # 4 or the makers reference number of who's buying it etc. I doubt though that the word Patent would be the brand name

[this post was last edited: 11/29/2011-02:02]

 

[petek]

Lastly, unless I find something on the piano-forte
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[perc-o-prince]

I just returned from a 14hr work day....

I'm going to bed

Pete, I will read what you sent, tomorrow, and reply more then!!

Rich

 

[perc-o-prince]

Just read it, Pete

This is tyhe only mention of his having a warehouse. Very interesting! I think, from what I've read, that I can safely place the piano-forte at the 1790's 1800 mark. I would love to know more.

Thanks for posting the info. The music was very nice!!!

Rich

 

[dishwashercrazy]

I have played Gary's Mason and Hamlin Grand on several occasions, and I have to say that this is one of the best pianos that I have played. The sound is so rich and full. And it is situated in the same room with his pipe organ (Gary can provide the description). He and I have sat for several hours collectively playing piano/organ duets of mainly church hymns.

 

[abcomatic]

Thanks Mike, We need to do more of that too! I hope all is good with you?

 

[moparguy]

Gary, I would love to know more about my piano, a Knabe upright that I got from a friend many years ago. The serial number plate says Wm. Knabe & Co. Gold Medal Pianos, Baltimore, MD, and then the serial no. 33042... I hope this tells you what you need to tell me more about it! Thanks very much! Jeff

 

[abcomatic]

Hi Jeff

This is what I found as far as your Knabe goes. It was manufactured between 1890 and 1895. The serial numbers started in 1890 with 33000 and ended with 4300 in 1895. It looks like it was made closer to 1890-91? They made excellent pianos and their grands were the official piano for the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.
I hope this helps a bit? I would love to see a picture of it. I would guess it has a wonderful Victorian case? Gary

 

[moparguy]

Wow, thanks Gary, I figured based on the case that it was some time around then, but it is great that you were able to validate the more specific year... and I didn't know anything about the history of the pianos/company! I'll take a pic for you!

 

[moparguy]

Gary, here's a photo... the case is beautiful though unfortunately has some damage accumulated over the years. Thanks again for the information! Jeff

 

[abcomatic]

Jeff

Wow is that beautiful! Is the piano in original condition or has it been rebuilt? Does it sound good and will it stay in tune? How to the bass notes sound; clear or sort of tubby? I am curious. Thanks for the picture Jeff, great looking piano. Gary

 

[moparguy]

Gary... it is all original... and won't stay in tune... in fact, it has been several years since it was tuned, and I recall that it probably needs some work to the board to keep it in tune. So for now, it is a beautiful piece of furniture, which I would someday like to bring back to tune!

 

[washernoob]

Jeff, your piano is incredible looking.

If you can, you should look into getting it restored internally. Externally it looks exceptional!

Knabe made some of the best pianos in american history in its prime in the late 1800s. Comparable to Steinway, Mason and Hamlin, and Chickering!

I would love to find an upright like that! I love the fallboard/music desk as single wide piece. And the legless fronts, with soundholes in the case, really helps these pianos stand out.

 

[jeb]

piano age

Hi Gary. A Steinway and sons square grand.35030. Jeff

 

[abcomatic]

Jeff

HI Jeff, Your piano was made in 1877. They stopped making square grands in the middle to late 1880's. I hope this gives you the info. that you wanted. Gary