A. Lenz approx. date?

[Colin Nicholson]

Hi Bill
I've just sold an upright piano - its going to Scotland next week, and although I've dated it around 1924.. this might be optimistic! (taking an average date of the 20s) Just wondered if you had a 'Langer action date chart' or something. Can't trace the serial number, which is #73628 (on left side - inner cabinet), and on the back of the action, its "LANGER 424665" .... would that help?

There are no other markings/ date stamps inside.... and may have to go on appearance. Can be viewed here..

http://www.aatuners.com/lenz-piano-for-sale.html

Exact date is not essential - the Langer action number can be viewed near the footer on a small slideshow.

cheers

Colin

[Bill Kibby]

That Langer number would suggest about 1913. The action numbers can be a bit approximate, because they were not always used by the piano factories in number order, but I don't think it would be 11 years out, although it looks like twenties. Being around the war may also interfere with number sequences.

The list is about three-quarters of the way down my Numbers page at
http://pianogen.org/numbers.html

[Colin Nicholson]

Thanks Bill

I never thought of checking your list.... yes, I agree its a guide only, but would be better to go on your archives than just a calculated guess (or nothing at all). Good 'benchmark' date - very useful, punters will be pleased!

cheers

Colin

[NewAge]

Colin,
An excellent rebuild blog. (I'm pleased to read that it was "sensitively dismantled").
Perhaps there's a parallel career for you as a midwife.......

[Colin Nicholson]

cheers for that....

Considering someone had stood or leaped about on the fallboard (forensic adult muddy footprints being investigated!) and buckling/ splitting all the hinge tabs, and some brat playing DARTS up against it - about 200+ dart holes everywhere.... not a bad job in the end. Would have liked to keep it 'mahogany-ish' .... but even after several coats of stain etc.... better in ebony. Maybe previous owners had the midwife touch!?

[Bill Kibby]

Someone who used to work for Danemanns told me that they called the process "antiqueing" - throwing darts at the piano to simulate wormholes.