How much is my Chickering piano worth?
Depending on the year of production and condition, unrestored Chickering pianos can range in value between $500-$4,000. Particularly those pianos which can be dated back to when the company started as Stewart & Chickering and then Chickering & Mackays, the restored piano value can be in the mid $30,000.
How can I tell how old my Chickering piano is?
- As with any other piano, the best and most precise way of dating your Chickering is by its serial number.
- The most common difficulty encountered is locating the serial number.
- As a rule of thumb, if you are researching a grand piano, it will have a 5- or 6-digit serial number.
Is Chickering a good piano brand?
Although unique, a properly restored Chickering is a superior instrument. Chickering pianos are desirable for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship, deep rich tone quality, and attractive designs, making restoration and preservation well worth the effort and expense.
When was the last Chickering piano made?
Chickering pianos continued to be made until 1983.
How much does tuning a piano cost?
$65 to $225
The average price to tune a piano ranges from $65 to $225, and the cost can increase by several hundred dollars if the piano requires multiple tuning sessions or repairs. Piano tuning is a skill that only experienced professionals should do.
Where do I find my Chickering serial number?
By around 1860, Chickering began to apply a stenciled logo in the center of the soundboard (visible beneath the strings) for its squares. The serial number (5 digits, by this period) should be in the center of this logo.
Do they still make Chickering pianos?
Who played Chickering piano?
In 1830, Chickering’s piano-making skills collided head-on with one of Boston’s foremost families – the Mackays. John Mackay and Jonas Chickering were both early members of the Handel and Haydn Society, which promoted classical music in Boston.
How do I identify an upright piano?
In most pianos, the brand name and serial number can be found inside the instrument near the soundboard or strings. Upright pianos usually have the brand name and serial number located inside the piano, on the back near the top of the strings.
Is a 100 year old piano worth buying?
Antique pianos are pianos that’re at least a hundred years old, and, like antique books, they’re not worth a lot of money just because of their age. In actuality, these old instruments may be worth very little at all, depending on their brand and condition.
Where is Chickering serial number?
Chickering’s placement of serial numbers on its earliest square pianos was not consistent. Where the number is found most often is stamped into the upper surface of the case, to the left of the keyboard. It is often stamped in small numbers and can be hard to find or make out.
Do pianos lose value?
From a financial perspective (excluding instruments with special historical or artistic value), pianos are a depreciating asset. They depreciate quickly for the first few years and then slowly thereafter. They may eventually appear to appreciate in value, but the appreciation is entirely due to inflation.
What happened to the Chickering Piano Company?
Thomas Chickering died in 1871, and the firm was taken over by Frank Chickering. The remaining brothers died in the 1890s, as the firm continued to grow and thrive. In 1908, Chickering was sold to the American Piano Company, makers of some of America’s better brand names.
What is a Chickering square grand piano?
The Chickering square grand piano was one of the most popular instruments in American homes during the 19th Century. Chickering was the first piano builder in America, established in 1823. They are known for building some of the finest pianos in history.
What is a Chickering & Mackay piano?
John Mackay was a sea captain that exported Chickering pianos to South America, and in return, would bring back ships full of sweet smelling rosewood and mahogany for piano building. From 1839 – 1841, John Mackay’s son William H. Mackay was admitted as an additional partner, and pianos were built under the label of “Chickering & Mackay’s”.
Why buy an antique Chicky piano?
Chickering pianos are desirable for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship, deep rich tone quality, and attractive designs, making restoration and preservation well worth the effort and expense. Can you find your instrument listed in these antique catalogs? Browse the Antique Piano instruments we have for sale!