Highly collectible for historic preservation. They feature ornate, carved Victorian-style cases.
Are the internal hammers, dampers, and straps intact? Pianos that have not been tuned or serviced in decades often require costly restorations that outweigh the market value of the instrument.
Standing in the center of the cluttered restoration room was a behemoth. It was an upright piano, mahogany finish chipped and faded, with scrollwork that looked like it belonged on a Victorian ghost ship. It had been dropped off by an estate clearance company with a hasty note: “Found in a basement in Balmain. Sell it for parts or burn it. Just get it out of the truck.”
The serial number of your Beale piano is a unique identifier that provides a wealth of information about your instrument. By performing a Beale piano serial number lookup, you can: beale piano serial number lookup
If your serial number is 22,500 → approximately 1927–1928 .
If you are holding a Beale piano right now, do the following:
Where can I find the model or serial number of my piano?｜FAQ Highly collectible for historic preservation
"The number inside the lid is always correct." Truth: Some restorers stamp their own internal tracking numbers. Always verify that the number on the cast iron frame matches the number on the wooden back-action. If they differ, the piano has been rebuilt and the original serial number is likely on the iron frame.
A piano’s age does not equal its condition. A 1925 Beale that was regularly tuned can outperform a 1985 Beale that sat in a damp garage.
Open the top lid. The number is most often stamped or painted on the metal frame near the tuning pins, usually on the right-hand side. Pianos that have not been tuned or serviced
If you are looking to sell, buy, or insure a piano, having a professional appraisal is always recommended. If you Explaining what a "restoration" involves. How to care for a vintage piano. Just let me know! Beale pianos history
Understanding your Beale piano's age helps you appreciate its context.
Beale serial numbers are four- to six-digit codes. They are stamped directly into the wood or iron structure. Look in these five common locations:
Occasionally, the number is stamped on the wooden soundboard or the cheek blocks (the wooden blocks at either end of the keyboard). Under the Lid Ledge:
Take ten minutes today. Lift the lid, squint at the cast iron frame, and find that number. You might just discover that your humble upright is a forgotten piece of Australian musical history.