antiquity

[Glenn Heath]

At 18:58 29/04/97 -0500, you wrote:
>>I wouldn't consider it an antique. It would have to be well
>>over 100 years old to qualify.
>>

>Perhaps it might be interesting to compile a list (from the list ;-) )  as
>to what attributes are required for a piano to BE qualified as an antique.
>Is it just age? I have my own thoughts, but am curious as to what the rest
>of the list thinks.  What ya'll think?
>

etc etc

Imput from down under.....
According to definition an Antique is Q. "belonging to the distant past"
[Oxford Dict]

Most antique dealers/appraisers/valuers/would be if they could be'rs
would define this a little more by dating the article 100 years old or more.
Sometimes this is extremely hard to do with the likes of forgeries etc etc
For example violins .....?????

And along with the term Antique comes "Value in dollars".

A can of worms ........

Now in my opinion pianos are a different category entirely
a; they are primarily a musical instrument ....
b; as a furniture item this must be secondary ( although important)
c; dating is normally accurate ..... no forgeries here !!!(sometimes you will
see different nameplates/ or no i.d. at all.... but it is normally (99%)
possible
to date within a few years


Therefore antiquity should be based on the "quality" of the instrument given
the age.
 for example: a Ronisch three crown circa 1895 would fit the criterea but
must be
dependent upon the musical condition. It may be good to look at but be a
basket case
in terms of musicality.
"Antique" but not worth much .......
What is the sense of owning a R.Lipp, aliquot action,ivory keyed, played by
Ashkenazy
full grand dated c.1880 if it is unplayable and financially not viable to
restore.
Great for the museum ....?

Now I dare to suggest rare-ity (or "vintage") is the key word here.
e.g. a "deco" drop action boudior / or famous name brand / or piano with
"history"
could determine the antiquity or potential to become, moreso than the serial
no: age.

Just some observations .......

Glenn