J.B. Cramer Yacht piano - dating help?

[Sherridon]

Can you please help date a J.B. Cramer yacht piano.
This is an upright with a fold-up keyboard.
There is number hammered into the wooden frame - 33448.
I couldn't find a datemark on the iron frame.
Thanks.

[Bill Kibby]

Cramer called these instruments "Patent Portable Piano". Captain Scott took one of these to the Antarctic in 1901. The number on yours suggests that it was made in 1902, and although we have no positive confirmation of this, their numbers do seem about right at that time. Datemarks are more likely on the keys than the frame. Have you looked at my Datemarks page at http://www.pianogen.org ?

[Sherridon]

Thanks for the information Bill. I had read your 'Datemarks' information and had searched the keys to no avail.
Our piano hasn't made it to the South Pole, but after buying it in Winchester, we took it to Canada with us when we moved. We also took it with us when we were posted to Singapore for several years. Following that we had it thoroughly rebuilt and though the birdcage action is not the best for holding its tune, the piano continues to play well. Thanks again for the help. John

[Bill Kibby]

Quite a tour! I think you have been misinformed, the overdamper ("birdcage") action is nothing to do with tuning, that has more to do with old age.