Hi to Diane and all!  Would like to add to the question of how many
"Centennial" Chickering Ampicos actually existed.

May 8th marks two years ago when my 1918 5'8" Chickering Ampico grand
was delivered.  When I posted first time on MMD 10/09/2009 asking if
anyone knew anything about its history or had a bench (still searching),
I did not mention when I first saw it that I knew the details didn't
match up with how the previous owner advertised it.  My harp is actually
embossed "The Anniversary Grand" to the right of the serial number but
it also has "Established in 1823" on the left as all of them have and
we know 1923 is the 100th Anniversary.

After a day and half research it was mainly the serial number 128795,
lack of medals on soundboard decal, older drawer and rounded key cover
that I discovered what it really was.

I can understand a left-over older harp in a newer piano but I have
been wanting to ask what the consensus is as to why it has a 1918 serial
number stenciled on a harp that is five years younger.  In every other
respect it is definitely a 1918 late Stoddard/early Model A Ampico.

Everyone I have asked considered it rare due to the slots in right of
the drawer for "partial repeat", to replay a portion of rolls instead
of totally rewinding.  Friend Dean Howe, from whom I got a 1916 Knabe
drawer with same repeat slots, said there are possibly only two or three
others still out there with that option.

As I said before, the seller of the piano shared no history.  Is it
plausible it was left in a corner, harp added and finished later?  If
so, why wasn't a later serial number assigned?  The piano itself is all
original, including exterior finish, hammers, strings, etc.  Another
friend, Cameron Dean, can verify.  Only the player has had work done,
probably 20 years ago by two restorers (one carefully, one not so).

So, any suggestions?  Would really appreciate any thoughts.  Thanks
ever so much in advance,

Linda Howson