Bill Wineburgh asks:

> How would one ever know if one were buying a stolen article?
> Full descriptions including serial numbers or other positive
> identification is a must.

In August 1988, I was contacted by phone by a young female voice
asking me if I was interested in buying a "1925 Chickering 5' 2"
Ampico A reproducing grand piano".

The description was unusually precise, and I offered to drive over
and see the piano, "Where can I see it?"  At that moment, the caller
became evasive and stated she would call back when a good time could
be arranged.  Another call never came.

A week later, I got an agitated call from a local owner of a couple
of player pianos, one being a 1925 Chickering 5' 2" Ampico A.  It seems
she was out of town on a business trip, and while away, her home was
totally gutted by 2 men and a truck who brazenly spent the entire day
emptying her home, including both player pianos and her complete home
office filing cabinet which had within it her insurance records and,
of course, the serial numbers of her pianos.

I had first seen this piano way back in 1971, and in those early
enthused years, I kept many handwritten notes of what I had found,
often including serial numbers.  By chance this particular piano was
indeed one where I had written down the serial number.   Here's its
description as I noted in 1971:

   1925 Chickering Ampico A
   Serial #140403
   5'  2"
   Walnut case, gorgeous!
   Matching bench
   Marvellous tone!
   Player action restored.

The thieves were never caught, but after all these years, bits of the
stolen property show up from time to time at local auction houses, most
notably pieces of her art collection.  Attempts to trace the stuff back
have apparently collided with a dead end.  The Chickering never did
surface, so far I know.

The other player piano stolen at the same time was a late 20's Canadian
made Gerhard Heintzman in an attractive case, with carved, curved
pillars and legs, 88n, Themodist.  Unfortunately, I did not write down
the serial number of that one, likely because the top of the piano was
covered in nicknacks.

Regards,

Terry Smythe