Need info on C. Bechstein serial #15513

[joekasper]

Would like some help On this C. Bechstein Photos attached.

[richard black]

It's roughly 130 years old and looks in need of some serious care and attention. Why do you ask?

[joekasper]

I am asking because a friend of mine is in possession of it and they are in the process of trying to sell it.  But they have no information on it except that it came from Germany.

[richard black]

Well, Bechstein was the leading European maker of pianos in the 1880s and that was certainly a very fine instrument in its day, but in terms of selling price everything depends on condition. Those photographs don't give much away, but as I said it looks as if the piano needs quite a lot of attention to it won't be worth much. That said, if nothing is fundamentally wrong with it (like big cracks in the frame or soundboard), it could be restored and turned into a very nice instrument with plenty of playing left in it. Restoration costs between £1000 and over £10,000 (prices in UKP because I'm in the UK - convert to your local currency!) depending on how much is done and who does it.

The most important bit of statistical information about a grand piano, by the way, is its size, i.e. length, measured from the front of the keyboard to the farthest point on the tail. That one looks as if it might be about 220cm but I can't be at all sure.

[joekasper]

I have found out through some research of my own that it is A C. Bechstein Model V. By the serial #15513 it was produced or made around 1881-1890. I know there is really no physical damage to the Piano but there is a lot of dust on it. I measured it at 6 ft. 5 in.  x 5 ft., don't know what that converts to in cm. but I am grateful for all help.

[keys60]

Funny how photos leave different impression on people. I thought the piano's cabinet appears to be in pretty good shape. Of course none of us could tell its actual condition by the photos, but that looks like a nice restoration candidate.

[keys60]

Check this baby out. I am so jonesing for this piano, but space is an issue. I checked it out and it plays beautifully. I hope the link works.

https://www.sonnyspianotv.com/gal_piano_photos.php?id=16