1858 Bosendorfer grand

[Stan Kroeker]

Dear list,

I have been assigned the difficult task of appraising the value of an
1858 Bosendorfer grand (5' 5", serial no. 4503).  This is an
extraordinarily well crafted instrument but, apart from the
deterioration we expect to find on any 'vintage' piano in our climate,
it has the arguably primitive Viennese grand action.

Once properly restored, I'm certain it would be at the very least a
'nice' musical instrument.  However, what strategies do you employ to
determine a fair 'as is' value and a realistic 'best case scenario'
value (totally rebuilt, perhaps shipped to less of a bargain-basement
market as the one I live in).

For those who are interested, it has iron-wrapped bass strings which are
noticeably 'tubby' in tone.  Soundboard has about 2 mm crown along the
longest rib and detectable bearing along all points of both bridges. 
Sustain on plucked treble strings is encouraging.  3/4 plate with
open-faced pinblock and original pins turning at 50 - 60 inchpounds
torque.  Very rebuildable!!

The case is black and fairly plain except for the hexagonal tapered legs
with fancy turned 'collars' top and bottom and the ... well ...
lyre-shaped lyre.  Is there a market for this type of instrument/furniture/antique?

Best regards to all,

Stan Kroeker
Registered Piano Technician