Beale Piano Serial Number Lookup //top\\ Now
Finding the age of a Beale piano is relatively straightforward once you locate the serial number, which is typically five to six digits long. Because Beale pianos were famously known for their "All-Iron Tuning System," these numbers are almost always stamped directly onto the iron frame. 1. Where to Find the Serial Number
To perform a Beale piano serial number lookup, start by opening the top lid of your instrument to locate a 4- to 6-digit number stamped into the metal frame or soundboard. Identifying this number is the most reliable way to determine the age, historical context, and potential value of an Australian-made Beale piano. How to Find Your Beale Serial Number
The Soundboard or Case: Lift the lid and check the ledge or soundboard for a small plaque or stamped number. beale piano serial number lookup
This is the most common point of failure. Many owners look on the front panel or music desk and find nothing. Beale pianos hide their serial numbers in specific locations.
Before diving into the lookup process, it helps to understand the manufacturer. Beale Pianos is an iconic Australian brand with a rich history. The original Beale & Co. was founded in Sydney in the late 19th century. By the early 1900s, Beale had become the largest piano manufacturer in the Southern Hemisphere, known for their innovative "Beale-Vox" player pianos and robust construction. Finding the age of a Beale piano is
| Approximate Year | Serial Number Range | |----------------|---------------------| | 1895 – 1900 | 100 – 2,500 | | 1901 – 1905 | 2,500 – 5,000 | | 1906 – 1910 | 5,000 – 9,000 | | 1911 – 1915 | 9,000 – 13,500 | | 1916 – 1920 | 13,500 – 17,000 | | 1921 – 1925 | 17,000 – 21,000 | | 1926 – 1930 | 21,000 – 26,000 | | 1931 – 1935 | 26,000 – 30,000 | | 1936 – 1940 | 30,000 – 34,000 | | 1941 – 1945 | 34,000 – 37,000 | | 1946 – 1950 | 37,000 – 42,000 | | 1951 – 1955 | 42,000 – 48,000 | | 1956 – 1960 | 48,000 – 54,000 | | 1961 – 1965 | 54,000 – 60,000 | | 1966 – 1970 | 60,000 – 65,000 | | 1971 – 1975 | 65,000 – 70,000 | | 1976 – 1980 | 70,000 – 74,000 | | 1981 – 1985 | 74,000 – 78,000 |
Rise to becoming the "largest piano factory in the British Empire". 28,093 – 39,800 1914 – 1920 Continued production despite WWI disruptions. 52,000 – 63,800 1925 – 1930 Peak manufacturing era; introduction of many player pianos. 69,900 – 74,700 1940 – 1950 Post-WWII resumption after building aircraft parts. 86,651 – 94,680 1960 – 1975 Where to Find the Serial Number To perform
Beale pianos were manufactured in Australia. The company was established in 1893 by Hugo Beale. Use the chart below to cross-reference your serial number with the year of manufacture.
| Age Range | Typical Value & Condition | |-----------|---------------------------| | Pre-1920 | High antique value if restored; often overdampered (hard to tune). | | 1920–1950 | "Golden era" Beale – desirable; may need action rebuilding. | | 1950–1970 | Solid mid-century pianos; low monetary value but good for learning. | | Post-1980 | Usually Korean/Chinese stencil; not same quality as old Beale. |