A. Lenz approx. date?

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Colin Nicholson
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A. Lenz approx. date?

Post by Colin Nicholson »

Hi Bill
I've just sold an upright piano - its going to Scotland next week, and although I've dated it around 1924.. this might be optimistic! (taking an average date of the 20s) Just wondered if you had a 'Langer action date chart' or something. Can't trace the serial number, which is #73628 (on left side - inner cabinet), and on the back of the action, its "LANGER 424665" .... would that help?

There are no other markings/ date stamps inside.... and may have to go on appearance. Can be viewed here..

http://www.aatuners.com/lenz-piano-for-sale.html

Exact date is not essential - the Langer action number can be viewed near the footer on a small slideshow.

cheers

Colin
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Colin Nicholson Dip. Mus. CMIT CLCM PTLLS
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Bill Kibby
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Re: A. Lenz approx. date?

Post by Bill Kibby »

That Langer number would suggest about 1913. The action numbers can be a bit approximate, because they were not always used by the piano factories in number order, but I don't think it would be 11 years out, although it looks like twenties. Being around the war may also interfere with number sequences.

The list is about three-quarters of the way down my Numbers page at
http://pianogen.org/numbers.html
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If you find old references or links on this site to pianogen.org, they should refer to pianohistory.info
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Colin Nicholson
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Re: A. Lenz approx. date?

Post by Colin Nicholson »

Thanks Bill

I never thought of checking your list.... yes, I agree its a guide only, but would be better to go on your archives than just a calculated guess (or nothing at all). Good 'benchmark' date - very useful, punters will be pleased!

cheers

Colin
AA Piano Tuners UK

Colin Nicholson Dip. Mus. CMIT CLCM PTLLS
Piano tuning & repairs. Full UK restoration service
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Tuition ~ Accompaniment ~ Weddings
http://www.pianotime1964.com
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NewAge
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Re: A. Lenz approx. date?

Post by NewAge »

Colin,
An excellent rebuild blog. (I'm pleased to read that it was "sensitively dismantled").
Perhaps there's a parallel career for you as a midwife....... :wink:
I was playing the piano in a zoo, when the elephant burst into tears. I said, "Don't you recognize the tune?" He replied, "No, I recognize the ivories!"
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Colin Nicholson
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Re: A. Lenz approx. date?

Post by Colin Nicholson »

cheers for that....

Considering someone had stood or leaped about on the fallboard (forensic adult muddy footprints being investigated!) and buckling/ splitting all the hinge tabs, and some brat playing DARTS up against it - about 200+ dart holes everywhere.... not a bad job in the end. Would have liked to keep it 'mahogany-ish' .... but even after several coats of stain etc.... better in ebony. Maybe previous owners had the midwife touch!?
AA Piano Tuners UK

Colin Nicholson Dip. Mus. CMIT CLCM PTLLS
Piano tuning & repairs. Full UK restoration service
http://www.aatuners.com
Tuition ~ Accompaniment ~ Weddings
http://www.pianotime1964.com
Member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen
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Bill Kibby
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Re: A. Lenz approx. date?

Post by Bill Kibby »

Someone who used to work for Danemanns told me that they called the process "antiqueing" - throwing darts at the piano to simulate wormholes.
Piano History Centre
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Email via my website.
If you find old references or links on this site to pianogen.org, they should refer to pianohistory.info
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