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The 9' Baldwin 70's vintage I looked at today with some interest has two boards mounted to the outside of the case on the left, running the full length. The are about 1" and look like they were added aftermarket. When I asked about it the store did not know why they were there. Any ideas?

It sounds like you're describing strips of wood added to facilitate moving when the piano is on its side.

Yes. They are to prevent damage to the lid -- and were installed on their C&A grands as well as some others.

I serviced two Baldwin SF10 7' for a piano duo couple who toured in a motor home. Those pianos had the rails as well.

Thanks, also I did see some pictures on the web of other Baldwins with these boards so now I realize it is not a repair for a warped case or such. Thankfully the dealer had the piano horizontal and ready to play and didn't store it on it's side since he's had it for several months. I don't think the 9' is going to be moved often but I guess I would just leave the boards on. I will get a technician to check it out as well.

I tune a Bechstein E concert grand which I believe is over 100 years old that has skid boards like that. We were quite fortunate to find them on the Baldwin concert grand where risers were set up for concerts. They made lifting the piano a cinch, since we did not have the proper equipment, because the production crew did not consult me first.

My teacher's piano is an sd6, the predecessor to the sd10. It's the most forgiving 9 footer imaginable.

If I were rich I'd run to the nearest sd10 and buy it. When they're well maintained they are extremely expressive pianos.

And yes the SD6 has 2 skid boards on the left.

Steinway calls them Side Protection Runners. Part #000339 for a B, 000340 for a D.