Need help with acquired piano

[caterj]

Hello!  I recently purchased a house that had this piano in the garage.  I am absolutely clueless if there is any value in this piano or not.  Any help with what model this is and the appoximate value in the condition it is would be greatly appreciated.  The number in the third picture was found on the back of the piano.  Not sure if it has relevance or not.  Thanks in advance!

[oxy60]

It wasn't made yesterday, that's for sure. It appears to be a common model, one I played as a child. Those oval mirrors would reflect light from the candles which were placed in candle stick holders attached to the piano.

Go slowly with this. You may have something special or just a piece of junk from the distant past.

[iansinclair]

can you find any other identifying information -- often cast into the frame or on the pinblock?

As Oxy60 noted, go really carefully on this.  It may have no value at all -- but it could have a surprisingly high value.  Do you have available a really good piano technician where you are?  He or she might be able to help.  Do NOT trust the average antique dealer or appraiser; they tend to be pretty clueless when it comes of musical instruments, including pianos, no matter how good they may be on other things.

[caterj]

Thanks for the quick replies and the advice!  I'll definitely look into having someone experienced check it out before i do anything.  And also I looked inside the broken window and found "Operators Piano Co Chicago" on the inside wall.  Again, thanks so much for the help, I greatly appreciate it

[iansinclair]

That helps a lot.  Take a look at
https://www.mechanicalmusicpress.com/registry/operators/operators.htm
for a lot more information.  It appears that the coin mechanism is still there (second picture in first post).  Is the player mechanism still present?

[lhorwinkle]

How hard is it to see that this piano is worthless?
In its current condition you won't even be able to donate it to a charity.

The house's previous owner had a problem: How to get rid of this piano?
He solved that problem by selling the house, piano included.
Now it's your problem.

[john90]

Obviously the outside is not very good condition but it looks nice, despite being half finished.

Operator Piano company started in 1909. Presumably named after Scott Joplins composition, The Operator, so you would imagine the action to be relatively modern.

Most important is what is inside, and the condition of the hammers, action, is the player mechanism still there. Photos of the inside are invaluable at this point.

My guess is most technicians should say it is not worth their time repairing. The others will likely try to rip you off with a restoration costing more than the piano is finally worth.

Lots of people buy pianos like this to restore as a hobby. Very desirable, depending on how complete it is.