HOW OLD IS MY PIANO?
FREE PIANO IDENTIFICATION & SERIAL NUMBER LOOKUP TOOL
What Year Was My Baldwin Piano Made?
(Serial Number Lookup + Guide)
DIRECT ANSWER
Most Baldwin pianos can be dated to a specific production year from the serial number. On grands, look on the cast-iron plate near the tuning pins or bass strings; on uprights, open the top lid and inspect the plate near the tuning pins.
Baldwin serial dating is generally reliable, but the number must be interpreted with the correct piano type and production era. Baldwin did not use one perfectly unified serial sequence across every instrument and period, and a serial number does not identify the exact model by itself.
BALDWIN PIANO SERIAL NUMBER LOOKUP TOOL
WHERE IS THE SERIAL NUMBER ON A BALDWIN?
Baldwin serial numbers are stamped onto a badge or directly onto the cast iron plate inside the piano.
BALDWIN GRAND PIANOS
- lift the lid and look inside near the tuning pins or bass string area
- you may need to remove the music desk by sliding it toward you until it is free of the piano
- locate the stamped number on the metal plate
- it is typically stamped directly onto the iron frame
- the serial number can also often be found on the underside of the piano, printed onto the soundboard, in the treble area
BALDWIN UPRIGHT PIANOS
- open the top lid
- inspect the cast iron plate inside the cabinet
- the serial number is usually near the tuning pins on the cast iron plate
- sometimes the serial number is on a badge on the side of the interior (see images)
- a flashlight may be required due to internal shadowing
DO NOT USE THESE NUMBERS
Do not enter:
a cabinet number or patent number
digits that are difficult to read because of wear, oxidation, or glare
“Acrosonic” or “Howard,” which are Baldwin-related brand names rather than Baldwin serial numbers
If your piano is an Acrosonic or Howard, choose that brand in the lookup tool rather than Baldwin. If the result seems incorrect, re-check the stamped number on the cast-iron plate.
WHAT A BALDWIN SERIAL NUMBER CAN TELL YOU
A Baldwin serial-number lookup can usually establish the piano’s production year, its broad production era, and its approximate place in Baldwin’s manufacturing timeline.
It cannot establish the exact day or month of production, the precise factory in every case, detailed model configuration, cabinet options, or later rebuilding or restoration.
BALDWIN PIANO HISTORY
The Baldwin Piano Company was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1862 and became one of America’s most prominent piano manufacturers during the 20th century.
Baldwin made concert grands, institutional uprights, consoles, spinets, and the Acrosonic spinet line.
Its major production periods include early American expansion, strong mid-century production, and later corporate restructuring and production relocation.
Acrosonic spinets became especially well known for their compact design and relatively strong tonal performance for their size.
Reviewed by Joe Kemple, Master Piano Technician, Burd and Sons Piano Service · Updated September 2026
Our database includes Baldwin piano serial numbers across all major production eras and instrument types.
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