[Marcia Hadley]

"Hello!! My husband and I are restoring a house in Italy. We have come across a piano in an old storehouse and we would like to know something about it before we buy it. Neither of us play, but our daughter, age 9, is interested in learning and here in Italy we have more time than in the states. The man who has it bought it 8 years ago and knows
nothing about it. He deals in used furniture.

The maker is Franz Geser (?) the G could be an O. It was made in Wein - Vienna? It is a 1/4 di coda - 1/4 size? There is a phrase painted on the panel above the keys, to the left "K.u.k.ausschi.Privilegium". It seems to be in very good condition. It has a lovely black wood cut work music stand.

would like to know soemthng about it. Age? Is the maker a reliable maker? Are these 1/4 di coda unusual? Would this be a good instrument for a learner? It does have a metal frame - the only thing I knew to look for. What is an approriate price range for such a
piano?

Can you direct me to any other source for information on this piano?

Thank you.

Marcia Hadley
marcia@gamblehadley.com

[Barrie Heaton]

I have not been able to find anything on that make One thing I would watch out for is woodworm I have not seen a piano that came out of Italy that did not
have woodworm Before paying for the piano I would get a local tuner to take a look at it

Barrie,
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Barrie Heaton
Web Master UK Piano Page

[Bill Kibby]

I apologise for the delay in answering, I have been unable to find Franz Geser, but there was an F. Oeser in Vienna around 1880, and he was still in business in 1911, but I have no other information. A report can be compiled from photos via the PianoGen website.
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I do not buy, sell or value pianos, but I sometimes rescue wood-frame pianos in the UK.

My own website: http://www.pianogen.org

Email Bill@PianoGen.org

Piano History Centre