Erard value

[John M. Formsma]

Greetings, List.

Once again, I need the help of the experts.

Was called to evaluate an "old" piano that was given away and was being
stored in a garage. Thinking it would be the usual piece of junk, I was
pleasantly surprised to see something that looked good. It turned out to be
an Erard, made in London. (First one of these I have seen, other than maybe
at the Piano 300.)

The 7' 4" straight strung piano has a serial number of 7558, which Pierce
lists as 1825-1830. There is also a handwritten "3205" close to the serial
number, along with some other faint handwriting, which appears to the name
of where the piano was sent. There is also some initials, which could be "G
E."

There is a decal under the music desk which says the following:
"Manufactured for Paterson & Sons, 27, George Street, Edinburgh, and 152,
Buchanan Street, Glasgow."

The finish (rosewood??) looks to be original, and is in good shape other
than a bleached spot on one side where it sat in front of a window and a
small water spot on top. The strings and tuning pins also look original.
There are 11 slightly chipped ivories. The action has not had much apparent
work. The pinblock is split from about F5 on up. The soundboard had no
visible cracks, and the bridges looked OK in the light I had available.
There are a couple of veneer pieces missing, but nothing major.

The owners would like to have it restored (dependent on the cost), and I
recommended they find someone who specializes in antique piano restoration.
Anyone interested?

What kind of people are interested in these thingees, and what would be the
value of this piano in "original" condition?

Thanks much.

John Formsma
Blue Mountain, MS