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I’m considering a used Baldwin L and am confused about serial number ID. One number is stamped on the harp - it is L 237747, and another is embossed everywhere else - on the action, key bed, etc. - it is L78973. Which is the correct one? I don’t know how to attach photos or I’d include them here.

Per this - if the former, it's 1980, if the latter, it's 1936. I'd expect the one on the harp to be it, anyway.

If the hitch pins are vertical roll pins, it is 1980. Otherwise they would be solid pins, and there would be duplex scale aliquots.

Thanks for the replies. Maybe these photos will help...

[img]https://photos.google.com/album/AF1...ipOmhepAgv8DsADQ_wqDchXhCcreb9yift62LYoD[/img]

[img]https://photos.google.com/album/AF1...ipMcQLSQBb7rikb4U5qQ6c-WTCacZc2keVgZxaNs[/img]
[img]https://photos.google.com/album/AF1...ipNlnEFjvLe4cO8zv5nyh1Ngenjxk_U4wN2xOF6x[/img]

404 - not found.

This is the easiest way to tell, but (barring fraud) the serial number on the frame is the correct serial number. Also, I cannot see your photos.

Sorry, let’s see if it works this time

[Baldwin L

There may also be a serial number stamped in ink on the bottom side of the soundboard, on the right (treble) side near the front of the soundboard. You'll have crawl under the piano with a flashlight to see it. (At least there is on my 1999 Baldwin R)

Per tend to rush's age info, you can tell if the action is from 1936, and the rest of the piano from 1980. I would think there would be a huge difference in the appearance of the wood and felt components.

Good luck!

Rick

Per the pics, there is a discrepancy in the serial numbers, as you said. I couldn't get a close look at the rear hitch pins, but they look like the newer roll-pin style, as BDB and Rich mentioned.

A mystery for sure.

Rick

You can see the vertical hitch pins in the picture, and as Rich says, the serial number on the cast iron frame is the one to use (so the later date is correct). I also see a Pitchlock coupler on a pair of replaced bass strings, and something that looks funky with the soundboard in the low tenor, near the dampers.

Thanks for the help everyone! Looks like it’s time to bring in a qualified technician for an assessment.

Do some manufacturers have a case number stamped on components that differs from the serial number? I may be remembering incorrectly, but I think I had a piano like that?

I would be curious to know this as well. Otherwise, it looks like an older action inside a newer frame.

1980, action and everything else.