<HTML> Hi David, Owners of pianos even 20 years old are often off in the date THEY bought the piano by five to ten years. I don't think it is unusual for an owner of a piano this old to be off by twenty five years or so. I would date the piano, but as a married man, I don't think that would be appropriate. ;-) Just my two cents. Richard Galassini <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px"> I'm trying to identify the date of a Bechstein IV (7'4").  It appears that the serial number has been removed from the plate by overly vigorous cleaning.  I can find no other number except an embossed number on one of the cross braces under the piano.  This number reads 16226.  I don't believe this is the serial number as that would put the piano back to 1885.  The owner seems to think it is c 1910-1915.  Anybody know what that number refers to and can I trace the date through it? Thanks David Love </HTML>