Hi -- While out for a drive, I happened to find an old homestead (with
lots of nice shade trees).  The house that had stood on the site had
burnt about 10 years ago.  I had originally stopped there to inspect
a junk Chevrolet pickup truck that was at the back of the property.

As I got out and walked towards the truck I glanced over at the
foundation where the house once stood and a familiar shape caught my
eye: an upright piano plate.  Naturally, I wanted to see the brand
name on the plate so I walked over and stood it up.  It bore the
name:  "The Rockford Piano Co    Rockford Illinois".

And yes, it was a player.  I dug through the ashes finding some
pedal linkage, the piano pedal "rods" that was used on most players,
a crankshaft, some cast brackets, and a very melted transmission.
I am 90% certain that it was an old Standard action.  I brought home
the casters and a restorable set of Norris piano pedals. <grin>

When I got home I tried to look up the name "Rockford Piano Co.", but
my books make no mention of this make.  Neither does the Presto Buyers
Guide or the listing of player pianos in the Player Piano Company
catalogue.

So has anyone heard of this piano company?  I am stumped.  It is
unlikely that it is a stencil, since the name is cast into the plate.

Cheers

Andy Taylor