An interesting Steinway foot-pumped grand player piano is currently
offered on eBay (item 290069211591).  I find this piano exceptional
and would definitely be interested in it except that I have a nearly
identical Steinway "Pianola Piano" in the next larger size, the "A".

This one on eBay is the model "O", the smallest Steinway grand made
at the time, but with the case and keys extended a few inches to
accommodate the player mechanism.  The 1916 date is a bit off; it looks
to have been made right around 1910.  The word "MINIATURE" is probably
cast into the plate.  Later on Steinway came out with a smaller
miniature grand, the "M", and still later the "S", the closest thing
to a baby grand they ever made.

The device just to the left of the Tempo dial is the tracking indicator.
The early rolls have a line down the middle that you would align with
the slot in the indicator using the tracking lever at the right.  Most
of these early instruments were "upgraded" to automatic tracking, as
you would find on later production.  I wish mine was like this one.
It's much gentler on the old rolls, many of which have edges weakened
with age.

I am quite impressed that this instrument appears to be completely
original.  Hopefully the next owner will keep it that way.  It would
be a shame to see it electrified.

Jeffrey R. Wood

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290069211591