Beale Piano Serial Number Lookup -

To look up the age of a Beale piano, you must first locate the serial number, which is typically a five-to-six-digit number stamped or engraved inside the instrument. Once found, this number can be cross-referenced with production charts to determine the manufacture date. Where to Find the Serial Number

The location varies depending on the age and style of the Beale piano:

Inside the Top Lid: Fold the top lid back. Look for a number stamped into the timber on the top edge of the side panel (often on the left or right).

On the Cast Iron Frame (Harp): Open the top and inspect the gold-colored metal frame. The serial number is often embossed or painted near the tuning pins or strings.

Side of the Keys: Note that numbers written on the sides of individual keys are typically assembly marks for ordering the keys and are not the serial number. beale piano serial number lookup

Model vs. Serial Number: A shorter combination of letters and numbers is usually the model number, while the serial number is typically a longer sequence of digits (e.g., 16448 to 94983). Beale Piano Age Chart

The following table provides estimated manufacture years based on common Beale serial numbers: Serial Number Range Estimated Year 16,449 – 22,655 1905 – 1908 22,656 – 24,989 24,990 – 31,000 31,000 – 44,000 1900 – 1910 (Approx.) 44,000 – 65,000 1910 – 1918 65,000 – 72,100 1918 – 1923 72,100 – 75,700 1923 – 1926 75,700 – 79,600 1926 – 1939 80,000+

Note: For Hapsburg Beales imported from Germany (1884–1893), exact years for specific serial numbers under 16,448 are often unknown. Historical Context 1884–1893: Hapsburg Beales were imported from Germany.

1893–1902: Australian-made pianos used a non-iron tuning system. To look up the age of a Beale

1902: The famous Bader-Vader (or "Beale-Vader") steel-wrest-plank system was introduced, making these pianos highly durable in humid climates.

1976: The last Australian-made Beale piano was manufactured.

For more precise dating or to find values for specialized models like the Beale Melochord, you can consult the Pierce Piano Atlas or the Bluebook of Pianos.

What is the serial number you found, and are you looking to sell or restore the instrument? When Was my Australian Beale Piano Made? - Find Thingy Part 8: Step-by-Step Action Plan for You If

Part 8: Step-by-Step Action Plan for You

If you are holding a Beale piano right now, do the following:

  1. Clear the top. Remove all sheet music, vases, and photos.
  2. Open the top lid fully. Use a flashlight to examine the entire cast iron plate, especially near the tuning pins at the treble (right) end.
  3. Write down every number you see. Even if it’s "Patented 1912" – that’s a patent date, not the serial.
  4. Remove the front panel. (Usually held by two wooden turn-buttons or screws). Check the left wooden block.
  5. Compare your number to the table in Part 3.
  6. Take a photo. Good lighting, macro mode on your phone.
  7. Contact a local piano technician – not a mover or a general antique dealer. They will verify your lookup.

3. Inside the Piano (Under the Lid)

For Beale grand pianos, lift the main lid. The serial number is typically stamped on the plate near the treble (right-hand side) tuning pins.

1. The Cast Iron Frame (Most Common)

Open the lid and look at the gold or brass-colored cast iron plate inside the piano. On Beale uprights, the serial number is usually stamped directly into the iron near the tuning pins (the pins used to tune the strings). Look in the top right or top left corner of the plate.