What would Steinway do

[Mike Spalding]

Or rather, what would they have done in 1910.

Rebuild customer wants to make sure that his O ends up "authentically 
restored".  Worked him through the whole action parts thing, got him to 
understand that even with Renner, Abel, Ronsen, whatever, it will still 
be a Steinway.  In fact, we managed to settle most of the issues, both 
functional and cosmetic.  One I could not answer, though:

Black keytop finish.  How would the factory have dealt with the ebonies 
in 1910?  Black dye, or not?  some kind of sealer or topcoat, or just 
bare wood?  Any authoritative info on how the factory would have done 
his black keys in 1910 would be appreciated.

thanks

Mike