Value of Knabe/Ampico B
By John Musselwhite
Hi All...
I have a customer who is considering putting their piano up for sale, and they would like to get a general idea of what its value would be. I may have mentioned this instrument last year if it sounds familiar to some.
The instrument in question is a Knabe/Ampico B 5' 3" grand made in about 1930. The piano is played almost every day, but is all original and definitely requires restoration. The walnut (I think!) 6-leg case is in good condition with the original finish in fair shape. Inside on the rim there is a small brass plaque indicating it was a personal gift given on July 4, 1931. The piano is located in Western Canada, and belongs to the second owner who moved here from Ohio.
The reproducing mechanism is an Ampico B which is not functional and as far as I know it hasn't been tried in 30 years. It is entirely original right down to the cover underneath and the last roll it ever played is still in it.
I would appreciate it if anyone can give me any help in evaluating this instrument, preferably by email at the above address and I will forward any comments. The owners are moving back to the U.S. and would rather not put it in their Eastern seaboard home. Some questions the owners have are:
- Is this a "collectible" piano despite its size?
- Is it worth doing any restoration work BEFORE it goes up for sale?
- What would its value be at the moment? Restored?
- Where should it be advertised?
- Would it be a better investment to "keep it in the family"?
- Is anyone here interested in the instrument?
My thanks to anyone who responds.
John
John Musselwhite, RPT
Calgary, Alberta Canada
musselj@cadvision.com |
(Message sent Wed 1 May 1996, 19:18:19 GMT, from time zone GMT-0600.) |
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