I recently acquired an Autotone player piano, built by Hardman,
Peck and Co.  I used a few free on-line services to help date the piano
and the results came up with a year of 1912.  The newest patent date is
1915.

I really don't understand the patent process but is it possible that
the piano was held for a few years then used with a newer player?
Also, are there any tips for me going into my first restoration?

Kent Zacherl