To recap: the pianos serial number may be hidden on the back of the pianos keyslip (immediately in front of below the keys), on the actions front keyframe, on the cheek blocks (each side), or within the action itself, once removed from the piano.īechstein Cable-Nelson Chickering and Sons Estonia Everett Hallet and Davis Hobart M. To the right and left of the keys are two end cheek blocks, which are each secured down with a giant bolt or screw, which passes through the pianos keybed, both of which must be removed, to access the interior of the piano (see video, above).Ĭaution: When unscrewing and removing the cheek blocks, do not mistake the pianos leg screwbolt, with the cheek blocks screwbolt.Īlso, be careful not to drop the cheek blocks once they are removed, which can gouge and permanently damage the pianos case, and the blocks delicate condition. The serial number may be stamped on the front of the frames wooden base, immediately under the keys. On older pianos, you may find 3-5 screws, underneath the keyslip, that will need to be removed (or, simply lift up, if no screws are present) to view the action frame. On the front of the b action frame (after the keyslip is removed), or stamped on c one or both of the cheek blocks, viewed to the right and left of the pianos keyboard. The serial number is often hidden and stamped on the other side, facing the keys). If you cannot find the serial number in any of the locations listed on this page, please watch the video below, to help find more piano serial number locations. In 2002, Baldwin was purchased by the Gibson musical instrument company.Ĭhickering grands were then made in Korea, by Samick, for BaldwinGibson, and then in China in 2006 by the Sejung Co. The Chickering plant located in East Rochester, NY was closed in 1982, and Chickering was sold to the Wurlitzer Piano Co., with pianos manufactured for them in Korea, by Samick.īaldwin then purchased the Wurlitzer Chickering names in 1994.Īlong with Samick, Baldwin also manufactured Chickering grand pianos from 1994 to 2001. In 1852 Jonas 3 sons entered the firm and the named changed to Chickering Sons. Chickering Piano Value Serial Number In.Pickering and Edward Frothingborn incorporated a charter to erect the, paid for by subscription and built in 1852. Chickering pioneered pronounced curved hammer strike lines in squares which permitted larger hammers, and is also credited encouraging to develop the first produced in the United States.Chickering, with Henry W. Chickering patented single piece iron frames combined with wrest plank bridges and damper guides in square pianos, and with massive wrest plank terminations in grands Chickering & Mackays were assignees of an action patented by Alpheus Babcock, and licensed actions patented by Edwin Brown and George Howe. His pianos at the earned a gold medal with special mention for the grand, which was noted for brilliancy and power as well as its great solidity. 1853 advertisementAt the time of his death, Chickering's company had built over 12,000 pianos and was producing about 1,500 a year worth $200,000, almost twice the sales of, his largest competitor in Boston. Chickering organized a temporary factory, and began construction of a new steam-powered factory started at 791 Tremont street, designed by Edward Payson to Chickering's specifications. The Washington street factory burned Decemputting out over 200 workmen and amounting to $250,000 loss, as well as all the tools and patterns, and a nearly completed prototype for a grand piano (later indicated as being overstrung).