How to Find the Serial Number on Your C. Bechstein Piano

If you’re researching a C. Bechstein piano, determining its age, or preparing to buy or sell a used instrument, one of the first things you’ll need is the piano’s serial number. The serial number can help identify when the piano was manufactured and provide valuable insight into its history and value.

As one of the world’s most prestigious piano manufacturers, C. Bechstein has produced exceptional upright and grand pianos since 1853. Fortunately, locating the serial number is usually straightforward.

Where Is the Serial Number on a C. Bechstein Upright Piano?

On most C. Bechstein upright pianos, the serial number is located on the cast iron frame inside the piano.

To find it:

1. Open the top lid of the piano.
2. Look toward the upper portion of the cast iron plate.
3. The serial number is typically stamped or cast directly into the frame and may consist of five to seven digits depending on the piano’s age.

On some older instruments, the serial number may also appear on the soundboard, action components, or keyframe, but the plate number is generally considered the primary serial number.

Where Is the Serial Number on a C. Bechstein Grand Piano?

On most C. Bechstein grand pianos, the serial number is found on the cast iron plate beneath the lid.

Open the lid and look near the front section of the plate, usually close to the tuning pins or plate flange area. The number is often clearly stamped into the frame and can be viewed without removing any components.

Because Bechstein has maintained excellent production records throughout its history, the serial number can often be used to accurately determine the piano’s manufacturing year.

Why Is the C. Bechstein Serial Number Important?

Your C. Bechstein serial number can help you:

• Determine the piano’s age
• Verify authenticity
• Research manufacturing history
• Estimate market value
• Assist with restoration and service records

This information is particularly important when evaluating a used C. Bechstein piano, as age, condition, and restoration history can significantly affect value.

C. Bechstein Serial Number Lookup

Once you’ve located the serial number, you can compare it against a C. Bechstein serial number chart to estimate the piano’s production year.

This is especially useful for buyers searching for:

• Vintage C. Bechstein pianos
• German-made pianos
• Restored Bechstein grand pianos
• Antique Bechstein upright pianos

1853-1858                1-175
1859                           176
1860                           300
1861                            476
1862                           710
1863                           1102
1864                           1305
1865                           1595
1866                           1869
1867                           2369
1868                           3154
1869                           3673
1870                           4196
1871                             4855
1872                            5756
1873                            6580
1874                           7328
1875                           8070
1876                           8924
1877                            9596
1878                           10213
1879                           10933

1880                           11676
1881                            12558
1882                           13596
1883                           14715
1884                           15705
1885                           16704
1886                           17629
1887                           19058
1888                           20640
1889                           22628
1890                           24958
1891                            27456
1892                           30198
1893                           32735
1894                           35111
1895                           37785
1896                           40448
1897                           43352
1898                           46879
1899                           50490
1900                           54181
1901                            57871
1902                           61615