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We're looking for an inexpensive baby (preferably less than 5'5") grand piano on which our children might learn. We are not musicians. Why a baby grand and not an upright of better quality for the same price? It's a simple matter of aesthetic preference.

I'd so value the community's opinion of a Young Chang G157 (serial G072041) vs. a Yamaha (serial B5333422). Also a strange note from the seller of the Yamaha claimed that this instrument was made for North America but the piano with the Serial GH1B5333422 was not. Any idea what that means? Those are the same numbers [to me].

One other option; a Baldwin "B"

Probably means that that particular model of piano, the GH-1, was made available for the NA market, but this particular one piano was not, and likely to be a secondhand import from Japan.

Welcome to the forums!

Regarding your selection (out of the samick and the yamaha), if they are both in working order, either will probably do for your uses as a first instrument, but you will likely find yourself wanting to upgrade if your children decide to continue with their piano studies, as these instruments are somewhat limited in the range of sound and tones that they can produce. They will be fine for a while though, doncha worry 'bout that just now. Be sure to get a piano technician to check the pianos out before you buy to make sure it doesnt need any costly repairs anytime soon, you should do thatbwith any secondhand piano. Perhaps someone else can elaborate with some more specific comments on these pianos, specifically the baldwin. How old are these pianos?

Be aware that there are some small grands that just aren't very good sounding while there are others that are actually surprisingly good.
Here's an article that you should take note of.
Even though you may not be considering these precise pianos (they're all under 5 feet) it shows that there can be significant difference between them and that it is possible to design a fairly good small grand that somewhat overcomes the natural technical limitations of having short strings.
http://www.pianobuyer.com/fall10/92.html

The serial number is "5333422" ... GH1B is the model, not part of the serial. Yamaha does indicate it was made for N.A. if that is a significant factor for you.

Of more importance is the condition and your observations. Without that, we're flying blind.

Of greatest importance would be have you looked and compared to new instruments? Without some reference points to what is new and good, you are also flying blind. Most people are actually surprised at the good deals and how much better even "entry level" instruments really are today.

Good luck in your search!

The Baldwin "B" may be a "B1".... (also known as the "B1 - bomber" to us techs)can be a nice baby grand. But as always, have it checked out.