[suehenn]

I have a Adam Schaaf CHICAGO grand piano serial number is 42673. It's in excellent condition. It was purchased in 1922 and it has the original bill of sale signed by Adam Schaaf. I would like to know what would the value range be for this piano. It also has the original bench seat that opens and has storage space. It has not been tuned for a number of years.

[Clough]

Hi, suehenn!

How much it's worth monetarily will depend on many factors and some questions would need to be answered by you in order to find out exactly the condition it's in as well as type of grand piano it is.

1. Even though it hasn't been tuned in a number of years, is it up to the American Standard of pitch of A=440, and can it be tuned, please?
2. I'm assuming that everything looks good great. Correct?
3. Being that it's that old, does it still have the original strings (piano wires) as well as the original hammers?
4. In what portion of a dwelling or structure has it been located for most of it's life?
5. When was the last time that it was played by someone who can really play the piano?

Those are just for starters! I've been a piano tuner/technician since 1978. One of the things that I also do is evaluate pianos for selling and insurance purposes..

Thanks!

[suehenn]

Hi Mr. Clough,

Thank you for responding so quickly. I will try to explain our situation more clearly. We are moving my 87 year-old godmother from the home she has lived in for 80 years. The house is in Chicago. My sister is handling the house sale (she is in Wisconsin) and I am trying to help from New Mexico. The closing for the sale of the house will be July 28, so we are pressed for time.

To answer your questions:
1) We believe that the piano can still be tuned to A=440
2) The piano is beautiful, but the finish is slightly dulled where the sun has shone in the south-facing window over the years. Even though the sales contract says that it is a grand piano, we believe that it is a baby grand, because it isn't as long as a grand piano. The piano bench is in excellent condition.
3) Yes, the piano has the original strings and hammers.
4) The piano has been only in this house in the same room since it was purchased. The house is a brick bungalow, and the piano has been in a large living room. The living room is a half story above ground (about 7-8 steps) with a basement underneath.
5) The piano probably hasn't been played in two years. My godmother used to be a church organist and pianist. For the last several years she only played her piano occasionally.

Thanks so much for your help. - Sue