Frank, have you spoken to Steinway about this instrument? They have very accurate records back to the mid 1800s. Ron Sanford had a piano in his shop circa 1903 that (he thought) was original black. When quierried, steinway informed him that instrument had been shipped in a natural finish. Since your piano has had some work done to it, it is possible, however remote, that the existing finish is not 100% original. Since your concern is preservation of originality, I would think it would be prudent to call S&S and let them provide you with their records on this. Regards, Danny Moore
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