Before you start dusting off the inside of your piano, it is worth understanding what that serial number actually tells you.
Beale piano serial numbers typically consist of a combination of letters and numbers. The format may vary depending on the era and model of your piano. Here's a general breakdown of what you might expect to find:
It is important to note that the classic Australian-made Beale pianos (1893–1975) are different from modern Beale pianos. The manufacturing of the brand ceased in Australia in the 1970s. beale piano serial number lookup
The dust in Arthur’s workshop usually smelled like history—aged spruce, felt, and ivory. Today, however, it just smelled like a headache.
False. Most Beale uprights from the 1920s-1950s hold sentimental value but modest financial value ($200-$800 AUD). Only pre-1910 models or specific art-case grand pianos command high prices. Before you start dusting off the inside of
(also called the plate or harp).
"The Beale company was meticulous," Arthur said, typing ‘Beale piano serial number lookup’ into the search bar. "They didn't just stamp the plate. They hid numbers. It was a quality control thing, but also a bit of a treasure hunt for tuners." Here's a general breakdown of what you might
Pianos built between 1902 and the 1950s usually feature the "Beale Vader Patent" logo cast directly into the iron frame. 4. How Age Affects Beale Piano Value
Beale production began in New South Wales, Australia, in 1893. Use this chronological lookup table to match your serial number to its production year. Serial Number Range Year of Manufacture Production Era Notes 100 – 1,000 1893 – 1900 Early hand-built models 1,001 – 4,500 1901 – 1905 Establishment of the Annandale factory 4,501 – 11,000 1906 – 1910 Introduction of the all-iron tuning system 11,001 – 21,500 1911 – 1915 Peak Australian manufacturing era 21,501 – 31,000 1916 – 1920 WWI material shortages alter production 31,001 – 42,000 1921 – 1925 Boom era for player pianos (Pianolas) 42,001 – 51,500 1926 – 1930 Transition leading into the Great Depression 51,501 – 56,000 1931 – 1935 Low production due to economic collapse 56,001 – 63,000 1936 – 1940 Pre-WWII recovery period 63,001 – 68,000 1941 – 1945 Factory repurposed for military aircraft parts 68,001 – 76,000 1946 – 1950 Post-war civilian production resumes 76,001 – 85,000 1951 – 1960 Slower production; competition from imports 85,001 – 95,000 1961 – 1970 Late Australian-made console models 95,001 – 98,000 1971 – 1975 Final years of genuine Australian production 3. Understanding Modern Beale Pianos (Post-1975)
Standing in the center of the cluttered restoration room was a behemoth. It was an upright piano, mahogany finish chipped and faded, with scrollwork that looked like it belonged on a Victorian ghost ship. It had been dropped off by an estate clearance company with a hasty note: “Found in a basement in Balmain. Sell it for parts or burn it. Just get it out of the truck.”
Beale production began in New South Wales, Australia, in 1893. Production lasted until roughly 1975 before the brand name was sold.