Bechstein Piano Serial Nos.

Year	Serial No.	Year	Serial No.
1920	115783	1970	162300
1930	137446	1972	164400
1940	143890	1974	166600
1942	144740	1976	168950
1943	145000	1978	171350
1944	145220	1980	173785
1945	146235	1982	175749
1950	147000	1984	177110
1952	147300	1986	178422
1954	148000	1988	179754
1956	148650	1990	180821
1958	149900	1992	182103
1960	151950	1994	183219
1962	153400	1996	184580
1964	155300	1998	186703
1966	157570	2000	187537
1968	159840	2002	189250

It is remarkable that data on piano serial numbers has survived so well for over a century. However, some inaccuracies are inevitable. These serial numbers are to be used only as a rough guide to a piano's age. An exact date does not make a material difference to a piano assessment. To be within 2 to 5 years is accurate enough to give an informed report on a piano.

Bechstein - A Short History

 Carl Bechstein had a firm grasp of piano making while still a young man, he also had an acute understanding of how to use publicity to further his business. His first grand piano was built in 1856 - a piano on which Hans von Bulow gave a concert playing Liszt's piano sonata. This concert earned the Bechstein Piano universal praise, and thus Bechstein became a piano-making force to be reckoned with!

The following year, Hans von Bulow is believed to have written that, "Bechstein is, in my opinion, the foremost maker of grand pianos in Germany, although he has built only three so far..." In 1861, still seeking to further the cause of Bechstein Pianos, he wrote to Klindworth insisting that the Bechstein Piano be properly demonstrated at the upcoming International Exhibition in London.

Sure enough, at the 1862 London Industrial Exhibition, Bechstein was awarded the English Grand Prix. The pianos were described as "distinguished by outstanding freshness and breadth of tone, quality of play and uniformity of the different registers..."

The Bechstein Piano appealed to the musical elite and to numerous Royal Households. In 1881, a Bechstein Piano was sent to Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace. In 1885 what was to become the largest dealership in Europe was opened in London. During the early years of the 20th century the list of royal clients grew to include the tsars of Russia and the royal families of Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Austria and Denmark.

The annual production from the Bechstein factories grew steadily. In 1900, annual production was about 3,700 pianos. By 1910, this had increased to about 4,600. 

Bechstein Pianos still have the something of their 'freshness and breadth of tone'! The build quality is legendary and even today, many pre 1900 Bechstein Pianos are thought worthy of total rebuilding. The Bechstein Piano deserves its status as one of the foremost Piano Makers of all time. 

© Steve Burden