Piano Evaluation

Hello
Evaluating a piano without hearing it play is very difficult, perhaps impossible: it's like trying to judge a car's performance by only seeing it in a photograph.

However, something can be said.

It looks quite tall, and this makes me hope for longer strings (better sound). The keyboard doesn't look bad either... By eye, it is difficult (for me) to tell if it is ivory, although that "yellowing" makes me think so. The 83-key keyboard instead of 88 makes me think the piano isn't very recent... The only 83-key piano I ever played was a Knauss Coblenz from the early 1900s... and it was in terrible condition.

If you can, try to hear its sound (or maybe even play it): it will certainly be easier to give an evaluation

The fact is that I don't know how to play the piano... my wife used to play it when she was little and I wanted to buy it specifically to get her playing again.. and because a beautiful instrument like a piano is always better to have in the house.

Your analysis seems really expert to me... so at a glance, you say it's an early 1900s [model] with ivory keys and strings (perhaps longer)... but to take it home.. how much do you think is right to offer?

Thanks in advance

I am absolutely not an expert

I was referring to the piano that I tried, which was from the early '00s.

Is the piano in question far from your house? You could go and see it; some things can be understood even without playing the piano. For example, the year of construction: many times it is engraved on the frame.

I must say that these instruments have no commercial value. Furthermore, we don't know what is "inside": straight strings? Crossed strings? Bayonet action? Slow hammers? Strings and many mechanical parts to be replaced.... In short, if the piano has a good voice and a good design, it would be interesting to proceed with a serious restoration.... but otherwise. And besides, how can one evaluate without seeing and hearing?

P.S. I see that it is 85 notes, so it marks a very precise period: early 1900s

Thanks to everyone for the initial evaluation... I am going to go see it in the coming days... but what I wanted to try to do is bring it home regardless.

Then, I will evaluate with you all if it is worth restoring.

If I manage to convince the owner to sell it to me, I will post photos and videos of how it sounds.

Buying it blindly... how much would you offer? I was thinking of staying around €300/400, also because this person would sell it along with the house she has put up for sale, therefore earning €0 from the piano itself.

Can you give me arguments such that I can say my offer is an 'offer to be accepted'?

Thank you.

300€ can be a bargain.

Or not.

I say this because unfortunately (or fortunately?) everything depends on the condition of the piano. One idea could be to find an acquaintance who understands pianos, and go see the instrument with them...

Have you tried asking the person selling it how much (approximately) they would like?