
Posted by Michael Myers on 7/18/2006, 8:56 am, in reply to "Re: Electric minipiano! What's this all about?" QUESTION: We have a minipiano built in the 1930s. It's not a toy, but it has only 73 keys (instead of 88) and is only 3 feet high. Several marks are stamped in gold above the keys. One reads, “Eavestaff Pianette, sole Mfrs. in U.S., Hardman, Peck & Co., New York.” Above that are two crowns and the phrases, “As used by HRH Princess Ingrid of Sweden” and “As used by HRH Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret Rose of York.” Before we give the piano away, we would like to know its value. ANSWER: Eavestaff, a piano brand that dates back to 1823, introduced its minipianos in 1934. The pianettes, as some models were called, were mass-produced and marketed heavily. The company thought people who lived in apartments or small houses were more likely to buy a piano if it didn't take up a lot of living space. The “royal” connection must have helped sales, especially in England. Hardman, Peck & Co. owned a license to manufacture Eavestaff minipianos in the United States in the 1950s and '60s. Most pianists do not care for the musical quality of Eavestaff minipianos, so unless yours is in mint condition and in tune or has an interesting cabinet style or color, it is not exceptionally valuable
I found this on a search, so it may be of some help
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