Chappell Piano

[booklet]

We received our piano yesterday, and I am a little confused about the serial number. I'm not worried because we got it from a very reputable dealer who will be sending a technician over in a few days. If he finds anything wrong we will get a refund. The piano is in great condition though, only slightly under concert pitch but in tune with itself. We are confident that as an instrument, it is very good.

Anyway, the thing that confuses me is that it seems to have several serial numbers. We have never checked for numbers on other pianos, though, so maybe what we are seeing is normal. I think it is clear from looking at it that it is from somewhere in between 1900-1910, but the numbers we have found have put it in a few different date ranges. If anyone could help us decide which number is the serial number, I would appreciate it.

The numbers we have found (so far) are: 39111 (near the hinges of the top lid), 43142 (at the top of the right inside wall), and 02687 (at the top of the left inside wall). The wood matches in all parts. There is a label above the keys that says Alexander Biggar Ltd. I have included links to photos that I hope will help. Sorry I couldn't attach them, but my resizing is not being cooperative right now.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos- ... 1200_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos- ... 0564_n.jpg

[Bill Kibby]

I spend a lot of my life explaining to people that serial numbers are not simple, and most pianos have several numbers inside. It would help if we could see how the numbers are written, but the type of leg on your piano is known as a TRUSS and these disappeared in the twenties. We can ignore the number beginning with zero. The others suggest 1901 or 1905, so it doesn't make a lot of difference which is which. Have a look at my Numbers page in "Gen about pianos" at pianogen.org and also this link...
http://www.piano-tuners.org/piano-forum ... f=2&t=8859

[booklet]

Thank you, that is helpful, and confirms our best guess according to the case style. It is true that the two dates based on the two numbers found do not really affect the date, but in any case I am going to try to include pictures of the numbers. They aren't wonderful because this is Scotland, and Scotland is dark.

[Bill Kibby]

Norfolk is dark at the moment, but we have electrickery here to help us see.

[booklet]

The images showed in the preview, but I guess they didn't work. Sorry about that. Here is a link: http://imgur.com/a/KYvVG

[Bill Kibby]

I would say 1905.