Monday, August 10, 2009

The Big Fish That Didn't Get Away

My Big Fish Story:

Several years back I had purchased a model home and I loved the way it was decorated so I decide to purchase all the furnishing as well. There was a beautiful solarium with a white baby grand piano, I was told that the piano was merely for display purposes only the strings and hammers were just there but didn't work. That was fine with me as I just loved the looks of it.

Due to my husbands business we made several moves through out the years and each time the movers would struggle with dismantling the piano and setting it up again at the new house. My husband would repeatedly ask me " why do you continue to move that empty piano"? Are you kidding? I love that empty shell, who cares if it doesn’t play.

A year after we moved into our current home, I thought it would be fun to see how much it would cost to have the piano restored. I contacted an expert in the field of restoring pianos and I was so excited with the possibility of finally having a piano that would play.

This is where the story becomes unbelievable. For all of you who love antique stores, flea markets and yard sales this was one of those amazing finds. The piano man lifted up the top of the piano and to my amazement there was a board that had been screwed down over the hammers I thought just to secure them for transport. The piano man took the board off and TA DA! The piano worked, only needing minor adjustments.

All these years who knew? The piano was built in 1921, in up state New York. The wood is cherry from the same region. The piano man immediately offered me $4,000.00, but after all these years of moving it across country I was not about to part with it now. Once the piano man knew I would not sell it, he said "I should insure it for at least $15,000.00". Are you ready for that????

I paid $200.00 for it! You just never know what big fish you are about to catch.

Have a wonderful week and don't forget about my Giveaway.







17 comments:

Sea Witch said...

I love these kinds of treasure finds How wonderful for you and now you have music or lots of cool noise to bang out on those keys. Sea Witch

Designs on 47th Street said...

Now that is a good story! I bet your husband's mouth dropped to the floor when hearing how much it is worth.

I have a cherry piano in my living room that I don't enjoy decorating around. :( Your white one is so pretty.

DolceDreams said...

Wow, what a great story!You loved it for what it was, but NOW it is truly a treasure to admire and enjoy! Your blog and shop are beautiful, I saw your ad on the Heartomatic.
Have a great day,
Nathalie

Unknown said...

what a fantastic ending to a great story! and it is beautiful1
Karen

Tara said...

WHAT? I just fell off my chair, seriously...I thought for sure the man was going to say a couple hundred to fix it, not offer you money to buy it...girl I think you got the deal of the century!!

The Feathered Nest said...

What a WONDERFUL story!!!! I'm so glad you kept it....and it IS just so gorgeous to look at!

June said...

I love this story! What a happy ending. I bet your husband never questions you again!
How great for you that you have decided to keep it.
Smiles,
June

Sandi said...

What a gorgeous piano and story!!! I love pianos and can actually play a little, but I don't own one right now. I used to have a old piano, but for lack of room it had to go. Maybe someday!
Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Goosebumps I tell ya! love it and Im glad you are keeping it around. Thank you for sharing that sweet story~

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

That was indeed a good purchase!!!
Do you play the piano? If the answer is no, I think that you have to have lessons!!

Trouvais said...

Love the story (AND your blog, your pillows)...don't we all live for that found treasure! A $200 piano!

Katherine Ann said...

You obviously have a fantastic eye!!! Cheers to you!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

What a wonderful story! Hidden treasure!

You have a beautiful blog! I found you through Tina.

Katherine

BellaColle' said...

Oh wow!! That is awesome!! Congrats on your wonderful suprise!!What did your husband say??
Hope your having a blessed week!
XO
~Christine

Free Art Printables said...

That is a fabulous story and what a great find!!!

Cindy@Cutepinkstuff said...

Wow, great story! The best find AND happy ending EVER!

Lancerika said...

LoveLy piano♥
and delicious
embellishments!
Bon chance
Lancerika
http://lancerika.blogspot.com