Steinway Baby Grand Piano 1857, 58 or 59

I'm not sure if this is the proper forum to place this questions. I have a baby grand Steinway piano dated 1857, 1858 or 1859 that I would like to sell. I would like to know if anyone has input on a good route to sell the piece. I contacted an auction house but I'm not sure if that would be the best route. Does anyone have any experience on selling an antique piano or suggestions?

The history may be irrelevant, however the piece has some American history in it's ownership. The piece was originally purchased by my great great great grandfather who is known as the Father of Catasauqua, Pennsylvania and the founder of Thomas Iron Company. His wife is a direct descendent of John Jacob Mickley who helped save the Liberty Bell. I also have family pictures of the piece in the houses of my ancestors. Would this be something I should even consider including in the information of the piano?

Would it be wise to go through an auction house? Otherwise, I was planning on just having it appraised and then attempt to sell it myself. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you!

 

Auction house !
with full docs and any stories or pics to go with it.
Who was playing it ?

& this only after you've done research on the item , to determine value ....and if it needs tuning or cleaning......consider that also !

Now , let's see pics ......so we can pick it apart first !!

 

So Lisa, now how sure are you of your dating , after the video mentioned that there were no Baby Grands made at that time...???

Aha !! ...The games a foot !

 

Thank you for the video share! Very interesting!

 

Good question Komokwa ;-) I need to research this more. I got the date using the serial number and looking it up online. The serial number is 2864; I've attached a picture of the serial number. I've also attached the results from 3 different websites. I am going to do some research now and see what I else I can find. I suppose I won't know for sure until I get an expert out to look at it.

 

After researching I have discovered the piano is not what I thought. It's a Model M and was built in 1936. I was looking at the wrong number on the piano. I took a deeper look inside the piano and found 3 additional numbers on various spots of the piano. I'm still not sure what all the numbers mean. But I'm pretty sure it's a Model M built in 1936. Thanks for your help! The research will continue and hopefully I can properly sell this piece ;-)

 

That's still a good old piano.......and asking here is paying off !!!