Thanks so much for taking a look. I have looked at dozens of pictures online and was really wondering about this. Then, by coincidence, this afternoon I came upon this picture of a 1908 Art Case model B:

http://www.pianomart.com/ViewAds.aspx?type=1&manufacturer=76&piano=7580

this looks like exactly the same legs and lyre and mine - as well as the same music desk. Obviously this one looks much better but the style seems identical. What do you think?

Mine has been in exactly the same spot in the same house since 1904 so it didn't make sense to me that the legs would have been changed. I just couldn't find anything similar online anywhere. I will probably contact Steinway with the serial number to see if I can find out more about it. I'm very curious now.

Thanks so much for your feedback - Karine

I just noticed that your link to my photo didn't seem to work on the site either. Also, can you briefly explain exactly what an'art case'piano is - or direct me to a good site that explains it?

I think that confirms that your piano is rare and all original.
To me,an "art case piano" is one that is not of the traditional spade leg or squared ferrule leg,music rack,lyre,molding,hand carved ? etc. One that is more contempoirary in it's look.The traditional Steinway 380 sketch case(spade leg,modern music rack,lyre)style was initiated around 1900 depending on the model Steinway. I find there were always exceptions to the rule as in a hand made piano.Of course,this is just semantics. The modern case started approx:
1897 for an A or B / Squared off fallboard,arms,modern music rack post 1911
Post 1886 for a C /C was discontinued shortly thereafter(1913) though special order till 1936)in N.Y. Never had a squared off fallboard,arms personally though they existed post 1900ish before being discontinued.
1900 for an O /Squared off fallboard,arms,modern music rack post 1907
1922 for an L /always squared off as for the fallboard and arms
1912 for an M /always squared off as for the fallboard and arms
1936 for an S /always squared off as for the fallboard and arms
Hamburg Steinways are again different to confuse the issue more so. Confusing to say the least!
I reported the broken link as for your pic. Hopefully it can be remedied so everyone can see your beautiful piano.

Thanks for all the great information! I hope the link will work eventually -

I figured it out with the help of Frank the PW guru.You can't make the file name too complicated or the browser freaks out.Learn something new everyday not just about pianos.

http://www.pianoworld.com/Uploads/files/1904Steinway.JPG

Thanks for fixing the link. I do have one more question (last one,I promise!) I am not able to measure my piano (since I am in another state right now). From looking at the photo do you think that mine is a 'B' like the one in the pianomart link (the 1908? I'm pretty sure it is, as it is quite large. Would Steinway have made that same design in various sizes? I'm very curious to learn more about this piano now. Do you think if I contact Steinway with the serial number that they would be able to provide more information about where it was made, how many etc?

As someone new to this, I really appreciate you sharing your expertise.

Hey Karine,That's three questions! Steinway Archives with the serial # will be able to tell you the mdl.,the original dealer and the original purchaser.I use them on occasion when I purchase Steinways sight unseen if the sellers are unaware of what they have.Steinway probably made both A and B though because of the limited production of this rare case style,Who's to know ?.From the pic,I would say it was a B though all the pros here have done this before on occasion and were wrong.Pics are deceiving. In any case it is either an AII (6'2") or a B(6'10")It is interesting that the music rack of the pianomart B was refinished two tone.Good luck!

Secound thought,I think it is an AII in that I don't see the support brace that is on the B between the the upper plate struts in your pic.

Your second thought was exactly right! I called Steinway and gave them the serial number. They told me the piano is a model AII art case (she said the style is called 'colonial')built in June of 1904.

Thanks again for all your advice