Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Tuner-Technicians Forum Square Grand Piano/Unable to locate Mfc name

We were recently given a square grand piano made of Rosewood and thought to date back to the 1930's. Unfortunately we know very little else about it and we do not play (yet) so our experience is nill. I can locate a 5 digit serial number but no branding. After some googling we found it looks very much like a Chickering and Sons model.

It definitely needs tuning and some restoration but our biggest question lies in how can we determine the mfc of this piano. I've been all over it with a flashlight and can find nothing. Is there an obscure place that requires some dismantling to find it?

A photograph here, if poss, would really help.

It can't be a square and 1930's. Squares were not made then.

Thank you for responding!! I can't figure out how to post an image in this forum...wants to take me to a website, however, I did post two pics in the Forum titled Photo Gallery using the same subject line as above.

I would love it if you could take a look and give me any advice!

Thank you!

Here is a direct link to your photos in the photo gallery.

https://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubb...are%20Grand%20Piano/Unable%20to%20l.html

I'm thinking you need to add at least 50 more years to the age of your square grand. Not an expert on square grands, but didn't Chickering have their name on the plate?

Thanks for the link!

From pics we've found online - yes Chickering had their name just above the keys.

From the ownership history we know of it should date back further than the 80's but who knows. It would be really helpful if we could figure out who the mfc was.

Usually, the manufacturer name is on the cast iron plate inside...what the tuning pins and strings are attached to.

Square grands were produced in large numbers from the 1850s through 1880s. Most reputable companies would have their name and logo cast into the plate. If there is no name in the plate, then is it in all likelihood as second-rate or lesser brand. In this case, it does not really matter that much who made it. And, sad as it may seem, its value is very low.

The biggest question might actually be: "Where can I find someone to service and tune it" (as many technicians will not service them), or "Is this really an instrument to make serious music or have a child learn piano on?"

If you have the space, they are interesting conversation pieces though, I'll grant them that!

This time of year they make great surfaces for wrapping Christmas presents. Just close the top, and the surface is at a comfortable working height for standing.

Why is it that most technicians will not service them?

Probably the most common reason is that we have better things to do with our time. However, there are other reasons, like the possibility of getting hurt if a string breaks and the awkward reaches which are hard on our backs. Also, parts may be impossible to obtain if something breaks, and we may not have extra equipment that is not worth getting for the few times we need it.