what is it worth?

[finnjag]

Hi Folks,
I have a 1950's August Forster baby grand, which I inherited from my father in Europe and had it shipped to the US. Just wondering what it is worth. Is this a good brand? It is in excellent condition. Any input will be appreciated.

Mike

[amanfang]

Here are retail prices.  Of course, the age of yours would make it sell for considerably less.  I'd check with a dealer.


https://bluebookofpianos.com/augustforster.htm

[finnjag]

Thanks.
Mike

[henrah]

At what age does a piano start gaining worth?

[finnjag]

I am just trying to get a value for the piano for insurance purposes. Would anybody know a trust worthy appraisal service? Or is it best to do to a local dealer?
Mike

[amanfang]

Henrah, I don't think pianos gain value as they age. 

[iumonito]

It is a market thing.  If you bought a new Steinway or a Baldwin 30-50 years ago, you paid much less than what a new Steinway or Baldwin costs now.  Usually people price the used ones somewhat based on what the new current ones cost, so you end up with bizarre pricing that makes a 30 year Steinway cost more now than what it was bought for.

I would never pay such a price, but I know bunchs of people that do.

Somehow that seems to be less true in Europe, where old pianos seems much more rationally priced.

To OP: AF are good pianos.  Two different brands, the ones made in Germany are much better than the ones made in the Czech republic/ former Czekoslovakia.  Are you selling or are you just curious?  This was the brand Puccini and Prokoviev had at home.

[knabe31]

Probably best to get an appraisal. That way you have a professional answer of true value and documentation should you ever need it. I have a 1910 August Forster that was appraised at 9000.00us but, I could sell it for more based on the quality.

[henrah]

Well aren't really old Steinways (like from 1910 or around that time) quite expensive, like an antique? Surely piano's are in the same league as cars in that after a certain point they start gaining value?