32021 Steck- is it a real Gotha Steck?

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amiaow
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32021 Steck- is it a real Gotha Steck?

Post by amiaow »

Hi all, I am going to look at this piano tomorrow and was hoping to confirm its identity. It's a 1904-1905 Steck- apparently Gotha build, SN 32021. Purchased in Australia long ago and stayed in the same family a few generations.
I haven't seen this particular logo on other pianos (Stecks are a rarity around here) and wanted to confirm it's not a stencil piano. It was rebuilt so felt etc not original. Many thanks!
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Bill Kibby
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Re: 32021 Steck- is it a real Gotha Steck?

Post by Bill Kibby »

I'll have to think about this one! The name is cast into the iron frame in the normal Steck way, but there is a lot of confusion about the connections and overlaps between Aeolian, Orchestrelle, Pianola, Steck, & Weber.

Genuine Stecks were made in several different factories, with different numbers, and although I mention this on my Numbers page,
http://www.pianohistory.info/numbers.html
nobody has really sorted it all out. We have a Steck Pianola and the date is ambiguous.
Piano History Centre
http://pianohistory.info
Email via my website.
If you find old references or links on this site to pianogen.org, they should refer to pianohistory.info
amiaow
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Re: 32021 Steck- is it a real Gotha Steck?

Post by amiaow »

Thank you Bill. What would you expect to be a reasonable price for an old rebuilt grand on the private market? Seller thinks it was rebuilt around 20 years ago, he took me a photo of the hammers and it doesn't have much wear, which is hopefully the case for a better condition piano for its age.
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Bill Kibby
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Re: 32021 Steck- is it a real Gotha Steck?

Post by Bill Kibby »

Nobody anywhere can guess the value or condition of a piano without inspecting it on the spot, and testing to see how well it holds in tune, so your local tuner is the best person to ask.
Piano History Centre
http://pianohistory.info
Email via my website.
If you find old references or links on this site to pianogen.org, they should refer to pianohistory.info
amiaow
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Re: 32021 Steck- is it a real Gotha Steck?

Post by amiaow »

Thanks again 👍
amiaow
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Re: 32021 Steck- is it a real Gotha Steck?

Post by amiaow »

Well I bought it- it was absolutely beautiful and had barely been played since it was restored (the owner passed away, his friend inherited it and didn't play it much). I paid $4000 AUD ($2200 pounds Sterling). I'm looking forward to many years of enjoying it!
chrisw
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Re: 32021 Steck- is it a real Gotha Steck?

Post by chrisw »

Congratulations. Hope you have many years enjoying it.
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