Arlie, You might want to look for some of the obvious indicators of particular vintage. For example - iron versus copper wound bass strings - 3/4 plate - size - use of brass flange rail or Billings flanges - cabinet design - number of notes - indications of being a former player. Just a few thoughts - BTW, you might want to check page 21 of Jack Greenfield's A History of Midwestern Piano Manufacturing. Hope this helps, Allan Allan L. Gilreath Gilreath Piano & Organ Co Calhoun, GA USA Gilreath@aol.com In a message dated 98-06-03 09:45:25 EDT, you write: << A customer is interested in knowing the age of his piano. It is a C. Hinze #3773 made in Chicago. This serial number precedes any listed in the Pierce Atlas. I'd be very surprised indeed if this piano had been made before 1885. I'm wondering if anyone has other information that might give the correct year. The condition of the piano is not too bad, but it has not been tuned in decades. Arlie >>
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