Faux S&S

[Jon Page]

Came across my first fraud today. New S&S decal on the orange-peel finish,
and 2 thick repros of the logos on the plate, stood up about a half inch with
puttied bevels. There was a new S&S decal on the sb as well.

My first choices are either a Steinert or Hume since the plates are somewhat
similar.  It had a WN&G action.  The sostenuto rod supports are similar to M&H
but no spider underneath. If I can chisel off the treble onlay there might
be some casting left of the original.

They paid $20K from a local deeler. Now, I don't want to call the guy an
outright crook but how could someone who's been in the business
for many years not recognize the fake?  Really now, I know for what he
knows about pianos he might as well be selling TV's and toasters but
this is stretching one's credibility on ignorance. Either way, it doesn't
look good for him.

Needless to say, the retired couple is besides themselves and can't deal
with it now because they're off to visit a very sick relative, in a 
few months they said.

I took some pictures with their digital camera and they'll send them to me
as soon as they figure out how.
-- 

Regards,

Jon Page