I have done a google search to no avail. I have a Shubert New York Co piano. I found a serial number inside: 32894
It has a Diploma seal. The seal says, "World Columbian Exposition". Then, "In commemoration of the four hundredth anniversary of the landing of Columbus". Then, "MDCCCXCII-MDCCCXCIII"(1892-1893). Then, "To Schubert Piano Co."

The large front lid is pretty well detailed with a nice wood carving. It also has a stool with glass feet.

Can anyone tell me what this is and if it is worth restoring? Is it worth anything at all?

Thank you very much for your help.

I have an 1896 Schubert upright that I got years ago to fix-up. It's been stored for probably 30 years, so the piano isn't fresh in my mind, but there was some reason I thought it was worthy of saving.

It was made about 1905. It does not have any special value, and it would cost more than a new piano to restore properly. So enjoy it for what it is.

It might be worth your while (and cost) to have a piano technician inspect it and give you an assessment of its worth and viability as a musical instrument. You can use the locator on the Piano Technician\'s Guild website to assist you in finding one in your area.

Good luck, and please let us know what you find out if you have it looked at.

Not a family heirloom, No sentimental value
I have a conscience and ethics Don't restore this piano Don't let you anyone tell you otherwise

If you're mechanically inclined, this might be a project you'd like to undertake yourself. There are all kinds of posts in the archives from people who have done just that. Also, if you do an internet search you may find that identical brand that a rebuilder has redone and is offering for sale. Whereas the large old uprights used to be out of style for their appearance, tall vertical pianos are back (in fact it's difficult to find a manufacturer making new spinet's). As a result there are many rebuilders offering 100 year old rebuilt uprights for sale.

Funnyman,
Here is an old Schubert offered by a company that sells rebuilt upright pianos (Vintage Piano Shop). I believe the price will be @ $9,000 after restoration.

Schubert Victorian Upright Piano
Lavishly Carved Mahogany Victorian Cabinet
Circa: 1894 , Length: N/A
Restoration Status: Not Restored


This piano was built by the Schubert Piano Company of New York in about 1894. Schubert built superb upright and grand pianos from about 1880-1936, and they were usually lavishly carved with intricate detail. These pianos were quite expensive in their day, and they were always built with the finest craftsmanship and materials. Schubert pianos are always very impressive after restoration. This piano is made of elegantly carved mahogany wood, and will be just stunning after total restoration. One of the things that makes this piano a bit different than most is the fact that the carved panels appear to be solid carved wood, not applied carving as is usually the case. An original matching stool is included. This piano can be equipped with computerized player mechanisms if desired.

Link to the page: http://www.vintagepianoshop.com/detail.cfm?id=288