Regarding pianos that travel in airplanes and on ships.  Jim Wells of
Fairfax Va. used to have a Welte grand (sorry, I can't remember the
make of piano) that had a brass plaque on it stating that it was the
first piano to have been transported on an airplane.  (Sorry, I can't
remember the date either.)  It was back in the 1930's I guess.  Also:
check out the cover on the latest QRS catalog.

Mike Kitner