Schiedmayer & Son Grand

[Andrew M]

Hello,
We need to sell a Schiedmayer & Soehne 6'6" black grand piano, 7 ocs. I can't see a serial number anywhere on the frame or underneath, and the only label is a white Harrods one with 'H 56447' on it
The maker's emblem on the sound board has a latest date of Melbourne 1889 that I can see, and underneath 'Stuttgart' in the centre is 'LONDON' in different script.
The case is plain black, as is the music desk and the legs are square. It looks more 1920s than Victorian.
Could anyone help me with age please?
We had it restrung a few years ago, and while improving the tone, the instrument doesn't resound as it should and the sound board is cracked underneath. I guess it's not worth that much, and may be difficult to sell.
Any information gratefully received.
Many thanks
Andrew

[Bill Kibby]

You have been very thorough, and decided which if the ELEVEN Schiedmayer firms it is by, shame there is no number in sight. Firstly, it must be after 1888, as explained at
http://www.pianohistory.info/exhibition.html

The fact that there is no reference to a 1900 exhibition may suggest that it was made before then. Unfortunately, when grands are reconditioned, the legs and pedal lyre are often "modernised" and that makes it difficult for us.

The Harrods stock number suggests that they sold it around 1958, but it may well have been secondhand then.

I don't seem to have any photos showing where this particular firm put their numbers on grands. Their Edwardian grands had actions made by Fritz & Mayer, these are numbered, and some help may be found at
http://www.pianohistory.info/numbers.html

[Colin Nicholson]

I can provide an example of the serial number location here, first photo ...

http://www.aatuners.com/restoration-ii-grands.html

It is possible the soundboard may be covered with a thick coat of dust (covering the numbers), but on some Schiedmayers, the serial number is under the bass strings, mid way, or on the soundboard rim, immediately behind the music rest & tray.

[Andrew M]

Thanks very much for your replies and the link.
Interesting that the desk and legs might have been modernised. The firm's emblem certainly looks very Victorian.
I looked pretty carefully all over the frame and up underneath but could find nothing, but I'll keep looking.
Thanks again. A

[Bill Kibby]

Another thing that happens is that the iron frame is resprayed, and the number disappears. Is it just thoughtless, or are they trying to disguise how old it is?

Often, you may find all or part of the serial number imprinted on removable wooden parts such as the music desk, or the keyblocks, or the stay that holds the top open. Of course, it may be just the last 3 digits, which doesn't help. Numbers on keys rarely help. If you know how to remove the fall (keyboard lid) it may be imprinted. Once the fall is out, you should be able to see if the action makers' name and number is visible.

[Andrew M]

Thanks - I'll investigate!