Eavestaff Minipiano Age

pianorocks · Post by **pianorocks** » 05 Apr 2006, 02:28

I am interested in finding out the age of my Eavestaff Minipiano. It has the tuning pins above the keyboard. On the inside it only has the patent stamp of 377461 Pat'd 1938.

The serial number is 50020.

It has been refinished so any logos were removed. I always thought the piano sounded great when it is in tune but from what I read here .. they normally have very poor sound.

From what I read on this forum.. they are not too popular and are not worth much..

Thoughts??

Thanks

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 05 Apr 2006, 11:14

Firstly, I am assuming that we are talking about the original 1934-style minipiano, with the tuning under the keyboard? Let's try to get this in perspective, because like square pianos, they have always been considered sweet and charming by the buying public, it's from the trade and tuners' point of view that they are a real pain in the neck, and getting worse with age. The number 50020 doesn't seem right, where is it located? Inside the tuning flap? Or on the soundboard?

pianorocks · Post by **pianorocks** » 06 Apr 2006, 00:24

Hi again

The tuning pegs are above the keys not underneath as I have heard of some of the minipianos.

The number 50020 is stamped on the soundboard and as I mentioned the 177461 pat'd 1938 is also stamped on the metal frame holding the strings.

On the back on both upper corners the number are 56166.

Hope this helps....

thanks

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 06 Apr 2006, 10:34

The only patents which come to mind are 1935 and 1940, and you have typed the number differently in your two postings. Apart from the fact that it was made after 1937, I am a bit puzzled by these two numbers, which are both in the fifty thouand range. The main numbers would only be around twice that figure, and the Mini series would be about a tenth of it! I'll see what I can find in card and paper files.

pianorocks · Post by **pianorocks** » 06 Apr 2006, 17:13

I have pictures that I can post if you want or I can put them up somewhere for you to look at. Let me know thanks for all your help.

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 06 Apr 2006, 18:27

You could email me.

pianorocks · Post by **pianorocks** » 07 Apr 2006, 02:58

Hi again

I was not sure where to email them to so I emailed them to your address from you web site. I hope this is okay.

Let me know if you need anymore information.

thanks again

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