" I wonder if these features were simply cost-cutting measures taken during the Great Depression. (What year was it built -- Hoffmann, S/N 30652?)" This is a piano from circa 1928, pre Depression Era. There are millions of them still around here. It's probably worth at least £300 ............ to anyone who is prepared to take it away. It has a false iron bar at the top of the pinblock face to give the impression of a full size frame. In reality it has what is called a half frame. The panelling on the top door is false as well; it is just "picture framing" to give the impression of Victorian panelling. AF
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