Hi all.  I have been thinking about the original finish on this piano.

Some people seem to think that the cabinet was originally stained.  I
guess they are basing their opinion on the stained wood that is found
throughout the interior and the back side of the panels.  I though
disagree with them.  I think it was painted at the factory, an ugly
drab color of green.  A few black and white photo's show some stenciled
painted designs on it as well.  Also a photo that shows where the name
decal was once shows it doesn't look as though it was painted around it.
I am wondering about how other surviving piano's look like?

I have only been able to see two black and white photo's, one in "Player
Piano Treasury" by Harvey N. Roehl on page 122.  This one is from
"Knotts Berry Farm" in CA.  It appears like it is all painted white.
I assume it is not original finish.  The other in the "Put another
nickel in" by Q.  David Bowers on page 207.  It is noted that, that
piano is owned by a Gary Sage of Seaside CA.  The picture does not show
any cabinet parts to see what finish that one has.  And neither one
shows any evidence of having a race mechanism.

Since these books are rather old (60's) does anyone know where these
or any other Nationals are now?  I want to compare notes with anyone
that has a National!  One book notes that these piano's are plentiful
on the west coast.  Does anyone out there have one that I can compare
notes to?

I have also been told that there is great demand for rolls.  Is that
because there are several Nationals out there???  Help!!!!

Also, I know that Art Sanders had one at one time in the Musical Museum
in Deansboro NY.  It was not in the auction last year.  What happened
to that one?

Sorry if you guys are getting tired of hearing me beg for info about
my National, but I have SO MANY questions, and no informational leads.
Thanks so much for any info about surviving Nationals and the names of
people who own them!!!

        -Phil AE-
Frantic National AMC seeker!

Philip A. Edwards
PAEDWARDS@JUNO.COM.geentroep [ remove .geentroep to reply ]
Lionel - American Flyer Toy Trains Repair
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