serial #

[Farrell]

Hi Dennis. I don't know about the serial number, but two things can guide
you regarding distinquising between a manufacture date of 1835 or 1860. I
believe Chickering was the first to manufacture pianos with a full plate in
about 1840 (I would imagine that not all Chickerings were made with full
plates after that date). So, presumably if it has no plate or a partial
plate (likely a hitch pin plate and struts bolted to the bare pinblock) it
would be 1835 or so. Full plate would clearly suggest 1860. Also, if it has
85 keys, 1860, if less than 85, 1835. If it is overstrung it must be 1860 or
later. I'm just assuming your two dates are realistic possiblities, and keep
in mind that the above guidelines are generalities - exceptions aboud,
especially with a Chickering. Good luck. Does the owner want to sell it?
Sound interesting. Got a picture?

Terry Farrell
Piano Tuning & Service
Tampa, Florida
mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dennis Benson" <dennisb@willmar.com>
To: "Pianotech list" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2000 1:32 AM
Subject: serial #


> I'm an RPT in Minnesota and have a question on an old Chickering. Sorry,
> this isn't technical in nature but I'm hoping one of you has run into this
> before. Email me directly to save space on the list.
>
> dennisb@willmar.com
>
> There is a number stamped under the piano in the keybed area like this:
>
> 2765
>     5 (under the other four didits)
>
> Is there a reason that this wouldn't be the serial # and if so would it
read
> 2765 or 27655? The piano is a 6' or 7' grand piano. Ther is no serial # on
> the plate around the pin area.
>
> If this is the serial # Pierce Piano Atlas would place it at 1835 (#2765)
or
> 1860 (#27655). Does
> that sound possible?
>
> Also would they have used the softer music wire then? The piano has been
> restrung.
>
> The customer LOVES it so there won't be any changes made, but we're
curious.
>
>
>
> Dennis Benson, RPT
> dennisb@willmar.com
>
>
>
>