Sounds like we are talking salvage value. Certainly less than $5,000 if it is as worn as you say (you can get a plain scrap Steinway for $5,000 to $8,000). Certainly worth at least $500, if for no other reason than it has a nice case. If it is a good design (plate characteristics, scaling, action type, udnerbelly framing, etc.) maybe closer to $3,000 or $4,000 (always amazing what someone will pay for a piano that LOOKS good). Closer to the lower figure if the design/construction features do not appear to be great. I bought a 6-foot 1900 Bechstein a year ago for $1,500. Needs rebuilding, but most folks would do little to the action. Likely a much higher quality piano than the Steck, but sounds like the Steck has a nicer case. My experience is that the value of such a piano is going to be a range between what a rebuilder would pay and what an uninformed consumer would pay. Terry Farrell Piano Tuning & Service Tampa, Florida mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com ----- Original Message ----- From: <PDtek@AOL.COM> To: <pianotech@ptg.org> Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2000 5:12 PM Subject: Appraisal help > > A small town nearby has a historical museum complete with historical piano. > They want to know what the value of it is and I'm not sure on this one. > > It is a George Steck grand ser. # 16096 which according to the atlas, makes > it about 1892 manufacture. It is very fancy, turned legs, carvings around > case, cut out design in music rack. The finish is in fair condition. I didn't > measure it but it looks about seven foot. It has been restrung and needs > restrung again. The soundboard has two long gaping cracks. The action is a > mess. This piano has been neglected for many years. The only high point is > the ivories. They are perfect. Not a chip or crack anywhere. But it LOOKS > good in their restored home of long past. > > Does anyone have an approximate value for this piano? > > Thanks > > Dave Bunch >
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