arthur ellison and co piano 1885

becci morrell · Post by **becci morrell** » 07 Jul 2005, 18:12

i was wondering if you could help me. i am currently trying to sell my piano which has been in the family for years, but i don't know how much it is worth. i have been told about 1500 pounds, but i would like to find out more.
this piano is made from walnut, i think and inside the lid it says it has the gold medal award for good tone (victoria Regina). The date shown on it is 1885 and ther is a ref number of 11270 inside the lid.
i think it previously had candle holders on it, but they have long since been removed. i would be really grateful if you could help me out with this

regards
becci morrell

Post by **Gill the Piano** » 07 Jul 2005, 19:50

The only way to get a proper idea of value is to call in a tuner/technician. The 1885 may not refer to year of manufacture, but to the year in which they won the gold medal - firms used them as advertising PR long after the actual award! The firm isn't listed in the Piano Atlas which I have, but Bill (see piano history page) has far more comprehensive lists. A tuner/tech will give you a much better idea of price, condition and may even have a potential buyer for you; we often get asked if we know of pianos for sale. Good luck!

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 07 Jul 2005, 23:25

Sure it's not Arthur ALLISON ?

If it is, you need to check that serial, because it suggests 1878 or so, predating the decal!

PG

becci morrell · Post by **becci morrell** » 31 Jul 2005, 18:24

yes i have checked the serial number and it definately is right and also it is an arthur allison as it says so on the lid. what does this mean?

Post by **Gill the Piano** » 31 Jul 2005, 20:16

Is that number on the case? If so, casework numbers don't necessarily tally with the actual serial number of the piano. Look on the frame (inside, amongst the tuning pins sometimes) or perhaps on the soundboard underneath the keyboard.
As we always say, get a tuner/technician to value it. That way you won't squash your fingers looking for numbers, and for the price of a tuning (which will make it more saleable) - not forgetting a cup of tea

- you'll find out much more (particularly what it'll fetch in your area) than you will slaving over a hot computer waiting for one of us lot to try to help you out long-distance!