Emily sent an inquiry to Michael Stinnett of Vintage Piano Shop, in Asheville, NC, asking about Grandma's piano, which she had given to Karen (35 years ago, and who won't take it!....) Below is the beginning of his reply, the rest of it in its entirety here.

"Emily, Thank you for your inquiry. We have restored several Franklin pianos, and they were very well built instruments. Franklin, built by the Aeolian Piano Company, built high quality, expensive pianos from about 1900-1933, although the player pianos were discontinued about 1929. I have seen some old catalogs showing these pianos selling for as much as several hundred dollars at the turn of the century...the cost of a small house! According to the serial number you provided, your piano was actually built in 1900, the first year that Franklin built pianos. You most likely have a wonderful piano there."

Owner: Tom

Owner: Tom

Owner: Tom

Owner: Tom

KT didn't really do this, the webmaster did, in hope's she would get the hint and figure out how herself!

Owner: Tom