Bush & Lane Upright Piano

Q: How can I get an appraisal for an upright piano made by Bush & Lane of Chicago? It’s mahogany, in good condition, and is at least 150 years old. I would like to find a buyer in the Philadelphia area.

A: Bush & Lane made upright, grand, and player pianos under several brand names. The company started in Chicago in 1891 under the name Victor Piano & Organ Co. The name was changed to Bush & Lane Piano Co. in 1904. The factory moved to Holland, Michigan, by 1905. It went out of business in 1930. If your piano is marked Chicago, it was probably made about 1904. You can contact stores in your area that sell used pianos to get an appraisal. They may also want to buy your piano, but don’t expect to get a big price for an old upright unless the case is very ornate. Similar pianos have sold in recent years for under a few hundred dollars.