Piano Manufacturer and Resource Information Please...

[mbrownone]

Hello, first time posting to this site and hoping for some information or gain a resource to locate information about a piano. Thank you in advance for any assistance.

An elderly family friend who was a terrific pianist passed away recently and owned an incredible piano with some interesting history. The surviving wife is trying to locate documentation stored away in his belongings. Apparently, it was owned by a famous Detroit jazz musician from the late 1930-40's who traveled around with it for his performances. I have some photos to post once I get this figured out (...thanks for your patience). Here is the info I have so far... please ask if there is more additional info required, and I will try to get it from her where possible.

1. She says it was purchased 45yrs ago from the jazz musician from his estate who also owned it for 40yrs-- so Im guessing its at least 80-90yrs old

2. She believed it to be a Schimmel with plexiglass top.

3. The piano legs were hand crafted specifically for the jazz musician at his request. I don't think from the manufacturer, but not sure.

4. Been refinished once by the musician, and once by the current owner. The inside harp was restored 35yrs ago. It has an "S" forged or stamped on the metal but cant locate any other markings so far. Don't know where to look to find other identifying markings?

5. The bench came was used with the piano, however, Im unsure if it is original. I always thought that 19th century pianos used stools instead of benches??

Any help with information on manufacturer, or musicians in that era (1920-1930's) who used a plexi top piano is appreciated. Thank you again. Pictures to follow...

[indianajo]

If you look at this article on wikipedia.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schiller_Piano_Company
the Schiller company used a three part S on their painted logo.  There is a more complete Wikipedia list of piano manufacturers. 
An S with a bigger bottom half than top was a trademark quirk that Sohmer of Long Island was using even on the 1982 model I own.  However the 82 model has a seriff at the lower end of the S.  Sohmer was a premium American brand, IMHO, my music teacher owned a grand and I bought this one after auditioning side by side  Everett owned by Yamaha and a genuine Steinway studio upright.  
I don't think plexiglass was invented until after WWII, so I think the top may be a late addition.
As this point, the sound the piano makes may indicate the value more than the actual brand.  Brand identity has a lot to do with the salespeople touting the brand to potential customers, and nobody is touting any American made piano anymore except the big S from Long Island.