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    lesli50's Avatar
    lesli50 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Aug 18, 2015, 03:40 PM
    Old Up Right Player piano with ivory keys
    Hello

    I have an old player piano with ivory keys. I want to sell the keys if that is possible. I live in California. Can I sell the ivory keys and just get rid of the rest of the piano. This was given to me and I have no use for an up right player piano.
    Thanks
    cdad's Avatar
    cdad Posts: 12,700, Reputation: 1438
    Internet Research Expert
    		  
    #2

    Aug 18, 2015, 04:09 PM
    Your best bet is to call piano repair shops and ask them. They could give you an idea of what every part is worth. They may buy it outright and save you some trouble.
    Cat1864's Avatar
    Cat1864 Posts: 8,007, Reputation: 3687
    Marriage Expert
    		  
    #3

    Aug 18, 2015, 07:56 PM
    Are you positive the keys are actually ivory?

    I don't think you can sell the ivory. At least not in California. CAL. PEN. CODE § 653o : California Code
    (a) It is unlawful to import into this state for commercial purposes, to possess with intent to sell, or to sell within the state, the dead body, or any part or product thereof, of any polar bear, leopard, ocelot, tiger, cheetah, jaguar, sable antelope, wolf (Canis lupus), zebra, whale, cobra, python, sea turtle, colobus monkey, kangaroo, vicuna, sea otter, free-roaming feral horse, dolphin or porpoise (Delphinidae), Spanish lynx, or elephant. - See more at: CAL. PEN. CODE § 653o : California Code
    It goes on to say that selling and importing to sell are banned but owning it for personal use (such as the piano) is still legal. You might need to consult a lawyer, piano restorer, or antiques dealer who knows the laws, both state and federal, to help you decide how to dispose of the piano/keys.
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #4

    Aug 19, 2015, 02:24 AM
    You will find that there are some on sale on Ebay still. But from my reading of Federal Law, unless the piano is over 100 years old, and unless they keys have not been replaced or worked on, they can not be sold legally ( even the piano could not be sold with the keys) This appears to be new laws at Federal level, State laws vary and there does not appear to be an enforcement behind the Federal laws (although they are in place)

    So while many people are selling, it appears it is not legal, unless over 100 years old and on the piano.
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