I just looked at a 6'2" A, built in late 1897 a customer is inheriting. One would think that such an instrument would be a beater at this point. However, it spent much of it's life in the Denver area, & the remainder her in Moscow, ID. Everything would appear to be original, save, perhaps, the hammers. I can't imagine them not wearing out, though they appear to have been shaped a few times & are about to wear through in the treble. If they have been replaced, it certainly was a good clean job. It was refinished in the late 40's; is light oak w/fire plug legs & no scrollwork. #2 pins are tight, & block appears pristine & original. No cracks in the bridge cap, but plenty of hairlines in the board. However, the board has crown & generally decent front bearing, though back bearing is neg. in spots. The 6'2" A was introduced in '96 & phased out of US production in '47, so this is a fairly early one, and unusual in that it's oak, but no other really distinguishing features about it. With some regulation & voicing this could be very serviceable. However, as part of the inheritance, it could also be completely rebuilt. Given its remarkably good condition and age, it may have some "historical/antique value", which modern rebuilding would destroy. While it may be a better piano at the end of that process, it may be a less valuable one in "antique" terms. They also need a current valuation of the piano in its current condition for tax purposes. I am assuming a wholesale value with the view to a complete rebuilding -- setting aside the subjective "antique" value. Any thoughts from all of you on this subject? Thanks, Otto
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