Crack in Steinway rim

[PianoBook@aol.com]

List:

I have a technical question from someone who is not online.  He has a 1919
Steinway O that has had some reconditioning in the past (strings, dampers),
in otherwise good condition, but that has a crack in the rim.  He doesn't
know if it is just cosmetic or is significant, and by how much he should
adjust the price of the piano to compensate.  There are actually two cracks,
on the same plane.  One is on the inside of the case, about two inches above
the soundboard and runs parallel to the soundboard for several feet.  The
other is on the outside of the case, directly across from the one on the
inside, and also runs for several feet.  Both start a foot or so back of the
keyboard end and run for several feet toward the tail.  The cracks are
hairline; it is not possible to fit anything into them.  What could have
caused cracks like this?  Are they serious or just cosmetic?  Is it possible
for cracks like this to actually run all the way through the rim?  What
should be done about it?  How much does it decrease the market value?

One opinion given by another technician is that this sort of thing can happen
if the piano is moved carelessly with the edge of the lid resting on the
mover's skidboard, rather than hanging over the edge.  This technician said
he thought the cracks compromised the integrity of the case and that the
piano should be avoided.  Another tech said it was more of a surface crack
and could be epoxied with no ultimate degradation to the piano or its value.
 (It should be noted that the lid hinges were not split out, so unless the
lid is not original, the cracks are unlikely to have been caused by careless
moving.)

He was going to sell the piano for $16,500, but now is not sure what to do,
both technically and financially.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Larry Fine