1939 S & S model M

[Wimblees@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-06-11 01:29:33 EDT, you write:

<< Greetings list, 
 
 	I've been contacted to give a replacement value apprasial for a 1939 
 Steinway & Sons model M. Original condition, classic spade leg 
 styling,  kept by the grandmother for the last 59 years, and is now 
 going to be moved to another city and needs to be insured. 
 
 	I need some idea of replacement value for a instrument of this 
 vintage, a new M retails  up here for $ 65 K CDN, but a used piano 
 dealer is selling a 1960 Chippendale M for 34 K (asking price). 
 
 Any quotes will help me finish my overall apprasial.
 
 Thanks in advance, 
 
  
 Rob Kiddell, 
 Registered Piano Technician, PTG >>


Rob:

Of the top of my head, I would say the piano is worth around $10,000, US. 

But his is a wild guess. There are many factors that need to be considered
such as  the  condition of the case, the pin block, the action etc. "Original"
condition doesn't say much. I have seen 25 year Steinways ready to be rebuilt,
and I have seen 75 year Steinways that looked almost new, both inside and out.

One other factor that should be included when asking for an apprasied value
is: where do you live? This makes a big difference. Midwestern prices are
lower than Northeastern.  A piano might be worth $10,000 in New York, but the
same piano might only get $6,000 in St. Louis, or $5,000 in some other area. 

Willem Blees  RPT
St. Louis