Dale Forty Upright

[Bill Kibby]

Dale Forty pianos cannot always be dated by numbers, because they were made at several different factories. See

http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-gen/reports.html

[PianoGuy]

Dale Forty pianos cannot always be dated by numbers, because they were made at several different factories.

Yes they can, but but by stock number, not serial number.

Take the top door off the piano. There will be a six figure number stapmed in the wood preceded by either one or two stars. One star denotes new when sold, two stars denotes second hand. If it's a 20th century instrument, the first number will be a 9. The second two represent the year, so '936' will be 1936, '927' will be 1927 etc. The remaining three numbers represent the number of the piano sold that year.

Example:
**936001
Would have been the first piano sold in 1936, and it was second hand when sold.

*927104
Would have been the one hundred and fourth piano sold in 1927 and it was new when sold.

A 19th century Dale Forty will use the same system but without the stars and the initial 9 handwritten on a paper label.

Hope this helps

PG

[tonedeaf]

I have an upright piano that I am interested in selling. It is marked "DALE FORTY LONDON" and has a paper sticker inside with the numbers 9367 and 37882 written on it.
The piano is not exactly in perfect condition. What I would like to know is whether or not it is worth spending some money on it to restore it before selling or is this likely to cost more than the piano is worth?

[PianoGuy]

Dale Fortys are not particularly sought after, so restoration will almost certainly outweigh value.

Get it tuned, clean it and make it presentable. Let the next owner pay for the repairs.

[tonedeaf]

Looking at your previous postings on dating Dale Forty pianos does it follow that mine was manufactured in 1893 and the 67th one that year (from the 9367 on the paper label)?
I cannot find a number stamped in the wood and what does the other number (37882) signify?

[Anji]

I just used this information to date the old family 'heir-loom'. *923155 = 155th piano sold in 1923, new from the factory.
Also noticed a second three-digit number stamped on the rear of the front door. Seems to be the last three digits of the sound-board serial number. In my case 969 on the door and 35969 stamped at top left of wrest board.
All very interesting history, but sadly it doesn't make it worth anything