[CAUT] Steinway fraud

[Bob Hull]

Here's another fraud situation on a Steinway:  This time there is a Steinway M in our area that someone (I know who but the business has changed hands) refinished the plate and put "A" on it instead of "M".  According to the serial no. it is a 1920's era.  When I first heard it was an A for sale I was pretty excited- thinking it would be a good piano for one of the colleges I service, (after being rebuilt).  The M may still be a possibility but not as good as an A.    
In order to double check the serial no., isn't there a serial no. stamped on the top of the legs that should match the plate?
What would you pay for an 20's era Steinway M, Mahogany, that needs everything done to it: keytops, back action, refinish, board, action, everything?  The bench looks original.  

Bob Hull