Every piano tells a story — but to understand it, you need to know its age. Whether you’re buying, selling, or restoring a piano, finding out when it was made can reveal a lot about its quality, condition, and value.
1. Start with the Serial Number
The serial number is your piano’s fingerprint. It’s usually stamped on the plate (the gold cast iron frame), near the tuning pins, or printed on the soundboard. On uprights, you may find it by lifting the top lid or looking behind the action. On grands, it’s often visible when you lift the lid and look near the tuning pins or bass strings.
Once you have the number, match it to a manufacturer’s serial number chart — many are available online or through a piano technician. The chart will show the production year based on that number.
2. Identify the Manufacturer
The brand name (often found above the keys or inside the lid) tells you which chart to use. If the nameplate was replaced or the piano has been refinished, a consultant or technician can help confirm the original maker.
3. Watch for “Stencil” or Rebranded Pianos
In the early and mid-1900s, many dealers sold “house-brand” instruments built by larger factories. These often carry unfamiliar names but can be traced back to well-known makers using the serial number or factory codes.
4. Why Age Matters
Knowing the piano’s age helps you:
- Estimate condition – wood, felt, and strings all degrade with time.
- Plan restoration – older instruments may need more than tuning.
- Assess value – age affects both playability and market price.
- Understand history – some vintage or antique pianos hold historical or collectible significance.
The Bottom Line
Finding a piano’s age isn’t just about curiosity — it’s about making informed choices. The serial number is the key, but interpreting it correctly takes experience. If you’re unsure, a piano consultant or technician can quickly pinpoint the year, explain what it means, and help you decide whether that instrument’s story is worth continuing.