I am a newbie and have just purchased a Thompson Upright at a yard sale for 15 dollars and was wondering if anyone could tell me an approximate age. It has "THOMPSON ESTABLISHED 1870 CHICAGO" printed on the (and I'm sorry, I don't know all the terminology yet...) on the brass plate at the back, with a serial number of 159525 printed on the wood through a hole in the plate.

I did a little research (some on this forum...that's why I joined up!!) and found it to be a subsidiary manufacturer for Steger and Sons Pianos (who made them from 1893 to 1925 ... or 1952 depending on the post). It has (what I presume to be) tuners initials written on the brass plate -- "h. 1-16-39" and "D.I.D. 12/55" so I assume it had to be made prior to 1939. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you all!

Mike.

Greetings and welcome to the forum! You indeed have a mystery on your hands--I checked in my Pierce Piano Atlas and could not find anything in the Thompson/Steger listings that came close to your serial number. Happy hunting!

Thank you for checking that! I made a slight typo -- the serial number is 159526 NOT 159525 (I'm not sure if that makes a difference). I also found a stamp in the wood on the inside of the main front detachable panel -- 9526. I assumed that the 15 on the main serial number might mean 1915 -- but I just don't know =) Maybe someone else has an idea?

Thank you all!

EDIT - I've also found the numbers 9526 on the back of the top detachable panel -- along with a larger "39" stamped on the wood -- could this be the age?

EDIT - I should have mentioned that the upright has only two pedals. My boyfriend and I are going to restore this wonderful piece -- it sounds great! Any help that anyone can provide with regards to even the HISTORY, or a means of finding production place, the serial number meaning, etc. would be greatly appreciated!

Ok -- finally some pictures!

Thanks to eveyone!

Mike.

Interesting - I've got # 27678 at home!

I can't see your pictures here at work, but I'll try and take a look tonite. I know mine has a third pedal that operates a drop-down practice felt mute. I really hadn't investigated anything about the factory, or history of that piano company...