Starck Piano

Q: My very old upright piano is marked “Starck Cabinet Grand, Chicago, U.S.A.” How old is it? What is it worth?

A: Starck Piano Co., also known as P.A. Starck, was in business in Chicago from 1891 to 1968. It is likely your piano dates from the 1920s or ’30s, but you can verify that by looking for a serial number on your piano. It might be on the back of the piano or inside the case. The value of a piano is based not just on age and quality, but also on condition. A professional technician would have to look at it. Most old uprights don’t sell for a lot of money, though, because moving a piano is expensive.