-- non-subscriber, please reply to sender and MMD --

Dear All,  Living in the Netherlands, I have just acquired, via E-bay,
a beautiful Mason & Hamlin RA grand with Ampico B mechanism, located
in Manchester, New Hampshire.

This Mason will replace my recently restored 5'8" Knabe Ampico B with
Ampichron (and Spencer Chase E-valve system).  I acquired the Knabe
last year from Florida.  It took me year to restore it to its present
condition, when I noticed the aforementioned Mason & Hamlin and of
course I couldn't resist it.  So the Knabe is for sale now (see my
other forum message).

The Mason & Hamlin arrived last week as air freight.  Finding and
buying a piano via the Internet is a challenge, but to organize a safe
international transport is even more challenging.  Specifically, to
find a good mover (who knows how to prevent the left corner of the
drawer to be damaged of an Ampico) and a good crater is key matter.
In this context I would like to make a recommendation for the two
companies I have worked with this time, who have done a superb job:

The mover is: Auburn Piano Movers, 3 Euclid Ave, Nashua, NH 03060.
The owner is called Jo Aceto and can be contacted at (1) 800-889-7352
or cell 603-883-7326.

The crater is located in Woburn, Massachusetts.  The crating job they
did was outstanding!  Although I decided to ship the piano by air
(faster, not exposed to humid conditions for an extended period),
the piano and accessories were completely sealed, airtight and packed,
secured and crated meticulously.  The coordinates are: Wetmore Co. Inc.
9 Micro Drive, Woburn, MA 01801, tel.: 781-935-9332, fax 781-938-0748.

The Mason & Hamlin appeared to be in a excellent condition (an older
restoration), so initially my focus will be on the regulation and fine
tuning of he piano and Ampico only.

The serial number of the piano is 40094; the case is mahogany.  The
piano has "Mary and William" style legs and lyre.  Unfortunately,
I'm missing the horizontal wooden beams that connect the lyre on each
side to the legs of the piano.

I would be very pleased to learn more about this piano.  The previous
lady owner couldn't give me any information.  The last restoration has
been performed very professionally, probably somewhere in the 'eighties.

Maybe someone out there knows who has done this job.  Also I'm very
interested to acquire any information that would make it easier for me
to reproduce the missing transverse struts.  Pictures, art case catalog
references, drawings, etc., would be very welcome indeed!

Please contact me at <berco.landman@casema.nl>

Best regards,
Berco Landman
Netherlands