Help with "How old is my piano?"
Where is the serial number located?
On a grand piano, it is usually found on the front of the cast-iron plate, beneath the music rest. Removing the music rest can sometimes make it easier to see. It may also be located on the soundboard, where it is visible through the strings.
On an upright piano, it is often found on the top of the cast-iron plate—for example, in the center or at the top left. Opening the top lid usually makes it visible.
Serial number charts for various manufacturers
You can also determine the year of manufacture using these serial number lists — they provide a good overview:
- Albert Finger
- Alexander Herrmann
- Baldwin
- Bechstein
- Berdux
- Biese
- Blüthner
- Bösendorfer
- Broadwood
- Burger&Jacobi
- Duysen
- Erard London
- Erard Paris
- Euterpe
- Fazioli
- Feurich
- Förster
- Fuchs&Möhr
- Gaveau
- Georg Schwechten
- Grotrian Steinweg
- Hain
- Hellas
- Ibach
- Irmler
- Kawai
- Kemble&Co.
- Knake
- Lipp&Sohn
- Mand
- Matthaes
- May
- Neupert
- Niendorf
- Nordiska
- Petrof
- Pfeiffer
- Pleyel
- Rippen
- Ritmüller
- Römhildt
- Rönisch
- Roth&Junius
- Royale
- Sabel
- Sauter
- Schiedmayer
- Schimmel
- Seiler
- Steingraeber&Söhne
- Steinway&Sons
- Thürmer
- W.Hoffmann
- Weissbrod
- Yamaha
- Young Chang
- Zeitter&Winkelmann
- Zimmermann
