Opinion on Upright Piano by B.Squire & Son

[AlexR]

Hi,

It's my first post here. I am trying to help my sister-in-law to determine an approximate value of of upright (small) piano, i beleive made by B.Squire &Son . She claims that it's made of olive wood, but I think she is wrong and it is made of burr walnut. The serial number is 12856 or 12010 and these numbers are next to each other. Neither of us have any knowledge about B.Squire & Son company and after searching the net, the only thing i was able to find that it was manufactured in 1960 or earlier.  If someone has some ideas or suggestions, it would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Alex 

[Michele Felice]

A small vertical piano which is nearly fifty years old will have a maximum value, possibly, of several hundred dollars, if it is in absolutely top condition. That means tunings annually and action regulation and repair, as necessary over the period of nearly 50 years. Of course, it must still be capable of being tuned. The best way to determine prices locally is to go by a local piano shop and look at prices of used pianos of the same size and quality of appearance. You also might look at classified piano ads in the local newspaper and establish the asking range for used spinets, consoles, studios.

Keep in mind that the life of a piano under undemanding conditions of play in a private home is 25 to 50 years, depending on amount of use and environmental conditions. A piano in a harsh climate without special environmental protection may well be gone in far less than 25 years.

The brand name means little regarding market value in used small pianos, unless it is one of the very few heavily-marketed premium brands like Steinway which may command a somewhat higher price.