Antique 1800s big piano . Need help with value?

From my understanding you forum members do not discuss value. But I have this old big piano in my shed which I want to get rid off to create some space. It does need a bit of attention/restoration, but it's a proper old one. I was hoping someone could help me into the right direction sothat I know what I have. I could find a similar one for sale.

It's the same like this one shown in the link.

Thank you

https://www.rct.uk/collection/20717/piano

And these are the ones in offer.

https://www.klaviano.com/pianos-for-sale/erard.html?sort_by=price&sort_type=desc

 

The keyboard is missing? If so, I can't think anyone would be interested except for parts or some kind of re-purposing project.

 

When I lived in Denver I found a gorgeous old upright piano in an alley up the street from me. Mahogany,inlay,brass candle arms,this thing was choice! I had a friend help me push it up the street into my duplex,and called a repairman to come check it out and give me an estimate. Mind you this was 20 years ago and even then it was thousands! I ended up doing just like Brad suggested,giving it to a friend who made furniture . He made me a little occasional table wich I carried around for years ( I wish I still had that) . Id donate it if you can find someone who wants it and call it a day.Sad but pianos just dont sell anymore.

 

Very few people learn to play anymore.

 

I think Brad's plan is the best. I doubt you will find someone to donate it too without the keyboard.

 

The craigslist/FB ads around my area are littered with free old(and sometimes newer) pianos. Unless it's a desired maker and in excellent condition - they're more or less given away for free.

EDIT: I know nothing about pianos, and after a bit of googling it seems like Erard is a very well known/desirable piano - but beyond that - I couldn't advise on much. What I said above is still true for my area.

 

I’m kind of speechless.......so, did someone buy/steal/have given to them the whole keyboard for the ivory keys for art/scrimshaw projects....or the like????? A shame if so, in one way......kind of leaves you with an incomplete piano to move along........somehow......

Edit.....however, you might try a salvage outfit for some of the nice pieces I saw one of......maybe they’ll take it all in exchange for a good piece!!!! The top must be a nice large chunk of good wood!!!

 

Thank you for the responses. I have all the other parts and have these stored in a other part of the shed. The piano is complete. I can remember playing (I mean making sounds ) before I stored it away.

 

I've got one that's been in the family since 1892. I anticipate having to pay out of pocket just to get rid of it. As said above, unless there's something remarkable about it, pianos are basically worthless these days.

 

That's why I wanted to make sure first. Some go for a good amount.

https://www.klaviano.com/pianos-for-sale/erard.html?sort_by=price&sort_type=desc

 

Well, I would think that would help, but not sure you will still be able to sell! Think of every type of venue you can, and start dialing!!!! AND BEST OF LUCK!!!! (Including city bars, arts & crafts schools, architectural salvage, industrial arts schools to restore it, etc.)

 

True. I guess mine dates approx to 1851-ish

 

If the keyboard needs to be reattached, I think that calls for a professional, and a piano in need of professional restoration is probably worthless today....but start calling, and maybe someone wants it.

 

Good. This will still take a knowledgeable person to put back in order. Consequently, a dealer/restorer will most likely be the buyer for this. It does appear to be a potentially valuable piano. I would contact such people and see if you can get any offers.

 

Pianos are VERY expensive. Even if you have all the pieces, this whole thing will need a COMPLETE overhaul. That would include replacing the strings, replacing the tuning-pins...hell, you might even need to replace entire PIN BLOCK. About all you can do with it would be to sell it to a dealer or repairer as a restoration project for them. To pay to get it fixed, for YOU to then RESELL IT YOURSELF, would be PROHIBITIVELY expensive. I wouldn't bother with it. Just sell it to someone for 'scrap' as it were, and let them try and fix it and sell it themselves.

If it matters at all, Erard is a pretty well-known brand, so anybody who knows anything about pianos ought to jump at the chance to buy that thing if they have the smarts to restore it.

Just keep in mind that tuning a piano takes AGES. Constant tensioning and adjustment over several weeks or even months.

 

I guess you right. It does need a lot of work. I will offer it on FB and GumTree or such as a scrapper.

Somebody interested in a project?

 

Would it be worth it to strip the keyboard ivory....& sell that to crafters...
just a thought...?

 

I can't speak for other countries but it is illegal to sell ivory in the US without going through a very rigorous process of documenting provenance, paperwork and permitting. I was told by an auction house employee that some of the well-known houses will not sell pianos or even silver tea sets with ivory insulator rings anymore, because of the restrictions. I do see folks pulling it off occasionally by advertising things as "bone". Be cautious.

 

Well ya...I get that......
but here...the piano is know.....pre ban.....& the keyboard intact....
I would think there would be less hoops to jump thru.....to secure permits....than say...that piece of ivory sitting on your desk.....for example ...

 

You would have a MUCH higher chance of selling the piano to a dealer or restorer WITH THE IVORY INTACT. It is literally impossible to replace the ivory. Once it's gone, it's GONE FOR GOOD. And the value of the piano will GO WITH IT. If you scrap the ivory you may as well burn the piano. Nobody else will want it.

There was a HORRIFIC story last year of a man who shipped a PRICELESS antique piano - a family heirloom, no less, halfway around the world.

Before it could be let into the country of destination, its customs officials TORE OFF all the ivory keys WITHOUT the owner's KNOWLEDGE OR CONSENT. He was FURIOUS because that piano was now destroyed beyond repair and he took them to court over it.