This is not a "mechanical" item, but it is a "musical" item, so
I hope my request for information is in line.

My son recently purchased a 5' 0" baby grand with the fallboard
identification "Manufactured by W.W. Kimball Co."  The piano carries
a serial number of 127600 on it, identifying it as a 1903 piano.  The
plate has no other identification on it and there is nothing else at
all on the piano to identify its origin.  In every respect the piano
looks original including the somewhat homely fallboard decal.

Here's what bothers me about the whole thing: that piano is clearly
a cheap 1920s or 1930s piano.  It is a very plain case with straight
legs, standard music rack, etc.  It is a fake walnut finish that is
shaded with the edges of every area being darker and the middle section
of everything being lighter walnut.  The keys are imitation plastic or
Ivorine of the 1930s era, not at all ivory.

There is nothing remotely 1903-ish about the style.  I don't even
know of 5' baby grands made at the turn of the century.  The overall
condition is fairly good, and it plays well with a pleasant, light
touch.  I looked carefully at the keyboard to see if something had
been altered, such as removal of another name that would go on top of
the "Manufactured by" line, but the finish looks absolutely original.
There are areas where the finish has peeled a little, such as at
corners or edges, and the wood underneath the finish is very, very
light.

If it did not have that fallboard I.D. I would take this to be
a catalog piano or a furniture store piano that sold at a very
competitive price (but happened to turn out pretty good after all
the years.)

Is there a Watson out there who can help this Sherlock Holmes shed
light on this situation?

Regards,

Tom Steuer

 [ But Tom, is your son not happy with the new "furniture store" piano?
 [ Did the salesman guarantee that it's a 1903 antique?  That a serial
 [ number equates to year of manufacture is only as reliable as the
 [ firm which applied the number, and the decal on the fallboard is not
 [ a reliable indication of the real manufacturer of the instrument.
 [ Does your piano tuner have any ideas?  -- Robbie