Erard 210 cm needs rescue

[Onkeltc]

Hi, I am new in here and wanted more info on my Erard, 210 cm piano, production number 43317. It needs some restoration, pictures can be seen here: https://picasaweb.google.com/1122431313 ... y4Ck-t6ZMg
We will most likely sell it as we need the space. Looking forward to hear from you,
Best regards,
Thomas

[Bill Kibby]

The number suggests that it was made in Paris around 1870. You don't say where you are in the world, but here in Britain, unrestored antique pianos have very little value, and grands are all the more difficult to sell. Sadly, many such instruments, even by famous makers, are scrapped because nobody has been found to take them. I try to take uprights and squares if I can, but have no space for grands unless we manage to locate funding for a proper museum building.

If you open the top and look inside, near the hinged edge, there should be a small wooden oblong marked with the year of manufacture. I would be interested to know if you find that information.

The representation of exhibition medals is described on my Exhibitions page at
http://pianohistory.info/exhibition.html

Near the bottom of the archives page
http://pianohistory.info/archives.html
you will find a link to Erards' Paris archives online.

[Onkeltc]

Thank you for Your reply, I am in Denmark and much of the same mechanisms are in place regarding sale. It require some restoration and takes up quite some space, both making a sale more difficult. Will most probably let it go around £ 1000,- since we need the space. At least then it won't be scrapped.
Will try and look for the manufacture year and post it here.
Best regards
Thomas

[Bill Kibby]

If you can get £1000 for it in Denmark, you are much better off than trying to sell it in Britain, where even a more modern, but unrestored Bechstein sometimes doesn't fetch £300.