Horace Waters Piano Appraisal

Horace Waters & Co. Upright Piano

This item is an antique upright piano, manufactured by 'Horace Waters & Co.' of 'NEW YORK', as indicated by the prominent inscription embossed or stenciled in a decorative gold-colored font on the fallboard. The piano's casing appears to be constructed from a rich, warm-toned wood, likely oak or mahogany, exhibiting a noticeable grain pattern that suggests solid wood construction rather than veneer, particularly on the fallboard. The finish shows a moderate sheen, consistent with aged furniture, and some minor surface wear is visible, including what appears to be a small chip or abrasion on the fallboard directly above the right side of the 'HORACE WATERS' inscription. The keyboard consists of white keys, which have yellowed slightly with age, a common characteristic of ivory or celluloid key tops over time, and black keys that retain their dark finish. The ivory keys show some subtle variations in color, further suggesting their age and material. A brass or gold-toned metal strip with small decorative indentations runs along the upper edge of the case, just below the music rack area, adding a touch of embellishment. The overall style suggests an early 20th-century or late 19th-century manufacturing period, consistent with the historical operations of Horace Waters & Co. The visible craftsmanship, particularly in the detailed manufacturer's mark and the solid wood appearance, indicates a quality instrument from its era. The piano's condition appears relatively good for its age, though specific functional details are not discernible from the image.