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Due to a mistake during a rebuild (roughly 5 years ago) I need a replacement damper for a Steinway upright, built in 1901.

The damper was sanded down so much during the rebuild it broke in half at the screw. I tried several repairs, but there simply isn't enough wood left. Its paper thin. Every time I put it back in the action, it cracks back in half. Customer agrees it is time to replace the damper. I'm sure I can find one that will WORK off an old junker, but I'd rather get a Steinway part. There isn't anywhere on their website to order them. Does anybody know where I could order one?

There are a number of parts that comprise an old Steinway damper. Steinway no longer supplies them, but most of them are readily available from suppliers. They may not be identical, and some adjustment may be necessary.

Your description is not specific enough to say what part it is, although it sounds like it is the damper lever. Those are available.

if it is the lever, you could glue new wood on the remaining so to obtain enough thickness to make a new thread for the screw
(if I understand correctly)
that should be robust enough
Of course if many levers have the problem, it is better to change the set.

Electrical sanders are not adapted to clean action parts...

I have a lot of old Steinway upright parts. I most likely have what you need. If we could get details I can try and find a match, and it is yours.

This is clearly a post by someone who has never worked on one of these actions!

Early Steinway vertical actions are very difficult to work on. Double flange levers are very delicate and require careful handling. Even the damper springs are not readily available, because, although they are otherwise identical to standard springs, for some strange reason Steinway wound them in the opposite direction.

Sam,

I've sent you a PM (see at the top, next to 'My Stuff', and tap the envelope) with a rebuilder's name from my area. If you need another source; Joe Garrett is a specialist in older instruments.

Good Luck!

Thank you very much, TunerJeff. That's the information I needed. I did try to reinforce it with splints, unfortunately there just wasn't enough wood left on the damper. The people who rebuilt it sanded it down to almost nothing! I explained it to the customer, he said he's fine with a replacement damper at this point.

And thank you Craig, if the gentleman in my area doesn't work I will PM you!.

Sorry about the triple posts, guys. I didn't read the posts very carefully my first time through since I was just looking for the answer. I am not the one who made the mistake. I was in high school five years ago. I am merely trying to rectify another company's mistake. This damper appears to be the only one with the issue. After looking at the action, it appears the damper flange is slightly too thick and they were attempting to make the lever fit.