In November, 1990, I received a letter from Charles Davis Smith making

inquiry about my Charles Frederick Stein, Welte Licensee piano.  Smith

had noticed this piano with a manufacture date of 1930 in the AMICA

directory.  He wanted verification of that date, stating, "The Auto

Pneumatic Action Company was all but shut down by late 1929."  He

continues, "... I'd say you have one of the last of the 'Lincensee'

instruemnts (sic)".



I was able to provide Smith with the original Bill of Sale / Promissory

Note as I had bought the piano in Evanston, Illinois, from the original

owner.  The sale date was April 5, 1930 and the serial number of the

piano, 1246, is on the bill of sale.  The actual date of manufacture is

not known.



Charles Smith never corresponded with me again and soon began having

medical issues.  His book, "The Welte-Mignon: Its Music and Musicians,"

was completed by Richard J. Howe and published by AMICA in 1994.

I find no reference in the book to my specific piano so it is unknown

how Smith used the information I gave him.  Starting on page 135, he

gives the details of the demise of Auto Pneumatic Co., the makers of

the Licensee action.  The Welte history is complex and hard to follow.



Now with the Internet, research is made easier.  Was Smith correct in

his assessment of this Stein piano?  Does anyone know of Licensee

pianos later than mine?  As Smith suggested, the action was probably

made in 1929 and then shipped to the Stein company.  The Action does

contain many improvements over earlier models.



I just looked at the price of Smith's book on Amazon.  It is one

segment of the hobby that has not lost value!



Bob Taylor

Missouri