Hello Avery! Sorry that this response is so late. As to your questions about the "Hardman" grand piano It was Aeolian owned at the time your piano was built. At that time Aeolian built magnificent pianos in N.Y. In 1926 there is written reports that the Hardman was the official piano of the Metropolitan Opera of N.Y.City and had been for fourteen years. As a matter of fact they had eighteen Hardmans. This was with Weber, Sohmer, Steinway and Krakauer within blocks of their location. In regard to your particular Hardman, it may very well be a scale " V.F. " witch is a 5ft 3in.piano. The "VF" has 10 single bass strings and 16 double and Two 2 string unisons in the center section. In all probability it will have a real Wessell - Nickel and Gross action. This action is considered by many rebuilders as being the best action built, including this one. This Co. started building actions in 1874. The quality of this piano is very high and is definitely worth rebuilding. This model ( V.F ) ranks in the top 10 or 12% of all 5ft.3in. pianos built. Including the Sohmer Cupid, Knabe B, Chickering 135 and the A.B. Chase 50. These are my opinions formed after some fifty odd years as a technician and rebuilder. Old Piano Guy! Jack Wyatt
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