G. Schwechten

[andreistancioiu]

Hello from Romania !
Can anyone help me finding the manufacturing year for a cabinet piano G. Schwechten with the number 25028 ?
Thank You!

[Colin Nicholson]

The serial number #25000 shown in the book is for the year 1890, so your piano is suggested to be around that period.

[Bill Kibby]

Numbers published for Schwechten seem to be about right, but I have yet to find precise evidence of the date of one. If you know how to remove the action safely, it may be marked with the action makers' name and number, and I may be able to date this.

[Colin Nicholson]

Depending on the 'action model' - some mechanisms of this period could be a tape action. If it is, then check the small red-tipped tapes (usually a red leather) - and be careful if you remove the action. If any tapes are broken.... like illustrated below, and you remove the mech., the levers will 'collapse' under their own weight.... and if you just try to slot the mech. back in, you risk damage to either the hammer flanges, centre-pin location, notch felt area, and possibly break off the jack knuckles ---- saw this also yesterday!!!.

I went to this piano a few weeks ago (below) - a Chappell - dated around 1930 to assess some string repairs, and the customer then requested the approx. date of the piano.. so I had to remove the mech. to see it on the soundboard. The tapes seemed to be 'in tact' , but then as I removed the mech., the weight of the stickers/ levers broke off about 30 bridle tapes at the balance hammer end.... so if you DO remove the mechanism, if your piano has tapes and is dated pre 1900, do be very careful - maybe left to a piano tuner? You can replace the action, but it involves either removing the appropriate keys, then holding the lever up (and resetting the jack) prior to putting the key back in. Just be careful!!
The mechanism below has now new tapes, and in good working order (along with another few jobs).....