32021 Steck- is it a real Gotha Steck?

[amiaow]

Hi all, I am going to look at this piano tomorrow and was hoping to confirm its identity. It's a 1904-1905 Steck- apparently Gotha build, SN 32021. Purchased in Australia long ago and stayed in the same family a few generations.
I haven't seen this particular logo on other pianos (Stecks are a rarity around here) and wanted to confirm it's not a stencil piano. It was rebuilt so felt etc not original. Many thanks!

[Bill Kibby]

I'll have to think about this one! The name is cast into the iron frame in the normal Steck way, but there is a lot of confusion about the connections and overlaps between Aeolian, Orchestrelle, Pianola, Steck, & Weber.

Genuine Stecks were made in several different factories, with different numbers, and although I mention this on my Numbers page,
http://www.pianohistory.info/numbers.html
nobody has really sorted it all out. We have a Steck Pianola and the date is ambiguous.

[amiaow]

Thank you Bill. What would you expect to be a reasonable price for an old rebuilt grand on the private market? Seller thinks it was rebuilt around 20 years ago, he took me a photo of the hammers and it doesn't have much wear, which is hopefully the case for a better condition piano for its age.

[Bill Kibby]

Nobody anywhere can guess the value or condition of a piano without inspecting it on the spot, and testing to see how well it holds in tune, so your local tuner is the best person to ask.

[amiaow]

Thanks again

[amiaow]

Well I bought it- it was absolutely beautiful and had barely been played since it was restored (the owner passed away, his friend inherited it and didn't play it much). I paid $4000 AUD ($2200 pounds Sterling). I'm looking forward to many years of enjoying it!

[chrisw]

Congratulations. Hope you have many years enjoying it.