Erard Grand circa 1935

[CliftonPark]

Hallo,
I just bought an Erard grand serial # 123372. It seems this piano was built circa 1935. I searched in Internet and read few specialized piano books looking for information about the Erard brand in the XX century. I found a great deal of info about the great achievements of Erard in XIX century but almost nothing in the period in which my piano was built.
Can you please let me know how the Erard company evolved from the beginning of 1900 to now (if they are still in business).
Quality wise it seems that modern pianos built by Erard are inferior (less technologically advanced) to other piano brands built in during same years, is that true?
Thanks!
CP

[Bill Kibby]

The number suggests that your piano was made in 1932, but without photos of the whole piano, I can't say if this is likely. Some of the problems with Erard numbers are discussed at
http://pianogen.org/numbers.html

I don't have much useful information about Erard's Paris operations of the 1900s, but some of the mysteries of Erard London pianos are covered towards the end of
http://pianogen.org/archives.html

It is important to understand that Erard pianos were always quality pianos, they were just slow in keeping up with some of the modern technological developments, like iron frames and overstringing, although I doubt if this still applied in 1932.

[CliftonPark]

Bill,
Thank you very much for your detailed and prompt reply.
I have some low quality pictures taken by piano seller. As soon ad I receive the piano I will take some pictures and will share them here.
This Erard has metal plate and action seems "modern". The cabinet is beautiful made of same size pieces of carved wood installed in parallel so that it forms a nice pattern.
Best,
CP