Piano World Home Page Forums Other Keyboard Instruments Mechanical Musical Instruments Help pricing an antique piano

Hello,
I am not a piano player, and I really do not know allot about pianos at all. I do know that I am going to lose money,at this point it is just a question of how much.
I purchased an 1866 Chas M Stieff. I did some research before purchasing it,and thought I was making a good investment. My original plan was to completely restore it myself, (which I found out I cannot do properly). I did clean it up some, because it was very dirty. Anyway, shortly afterwards, I was laid off, so now I really need to get rid of the piano. I started out trying to sell it for $12,000.I am actually embarrassed to tell how much I paid for it. But, I guess that is how life goes.
I have had several appraises on description and pictures, and they were always between small to large amounts.
So, I want to ask the (Buyers) what would be a fair price to ask for such a piece? I have it listed on here for $6,000.00
It does need to be restored, and would be a really beautiful piece.
So, if anyone could please give me some input on this matter I would really appreciate it.
Thank you.
ssw

Hello again,
Well, since I could not get any info on(how much money I am going to lose) I decided I may as well lose big! So, if anyone is interested in this piano, I listed it on e-bay (again) for 1 day, staring at $2,000.00--No reserve. there is about 5 hrs left on it, so , if anyone wants one heck of a deal, check it out.
I am going to go lick my wounds now. You all have a great day and a very prosperous year!!!!!!!!!

WELL, I COULD NOT EVEN SELL IT FOR $2,000.0O.
SO, I GUESS I HAVE MYSELF SOME REAL EXPENSIVE FIREWOOD.
GREAT DAY TO EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Someone here may be interested or know someone
or here I wonder if the folks who appraised it for you can find a buyer? It is a slow time in general.

Thanks for your comment, I believe I will just give up on selling it, and maybe fix it up slowly myself,I was just trying to get rid of it quick,to get my mortgage payment, and get it out of the middle of my shop. Things always change from day to day. As they say, Something is only worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it. I'll leave it hanging, maybe the right person will see it. Indeed, times are tough!!!
So, I hope all of your tomorrows are better than your today!
Thank you.

You do not mention whether this is an upright, grand, or a square. In any case, antique pianos are of no value as investments because there is basically no market. Unless this is some unique rarity with documented provenance it is very likely worth very little to anyone other than dedicated collecters. I certainly hope you did not sink a lot of money in this hoping for a quick turnaround.