THE PIANO LIBRARY
Blüthner dates & history.
These reference tables are retained from the workshop’s original guide. A serial number is a starting point; confirm the identity and date of an individual instrument with Paul before relying on it.
| Year | Listed serial number |
|---|---|
| 1853 | 700 |
| 1855 | 1,500 |
| 1860 | 2,500 |
| 1862 | 4,800 |
| 1865 | 6,500 |
| 1868 | 8,100 |
| 1870 | 9,200 |
| 1875 | 13,200 |
| 1880 | 18,500 |
| 1885 | 25,000 |
| 1890 | 31,000 |
| 1891 | 32,000 |
| 1892 | 34,000 |
| 1893 | 36,000 |
| 1894 | 39,000 |
| 1895 | 42,000 |
| 1896 | 45,000 |
| 1897 | 47,000 |
| 1898 | 49,000 |
| 1899 | 52,000 |
| 1900 | 55,000 |
| 1901 | 57,500 |
| 1902 | 60,000 |
| 1903 | 62,500 |
| 1904 | 65,000 |
| 1905 | 67,500 |
| 1906 | 70,000 |
| 1907 | 72,500 |
| 1908 | 75,000 |
| 1909 | 78,000 |
| 1910 | 81,000 |
| 1911 | 84,000 |
| 1912 | 87,000 |
| 1914 | 90,000 |
| 1915 | 94,000 |
| 1916 | 95,000 |
| 1917 | 96,000 |
| 1918 | 97,000 |
| 1919 | 98,000 |
| 1920 | 100,000 |
| 1921 | 101,500 |
| 1922 | 103,000 |
| 1923 | 105,000 |
| 1924 | 107,000 |
| 1925 | 109,000 |
| 1926 | 111,000 |
| 1927 | 112,000 |
| 1928 | 113,000 |
| 1929 | 114,000 |
| 1930 | 115,000 |
| 1931 | 115,500 |
| 1932 | 116,000 |
| 1933 | 117,000 |
| 1934 | 118,000 |
| 1935 | 119,500 |
| 1936 | 120,700 |
| 1937 | 122,000 |
| 1938 | 123,500 |
| 1939 | 124,500 |
| 1940 | 125,500 |
| 1942 | 126,000 |
| 1943 | 127,000 |
| 1946 | 128,000 |
| 1947 | 128,100 |
| 1948 | 128,200 |
| 1949 | 128,500 |
| 1950 | 128,800 |
| 1951 | 129,100 |
| 1952 | 129,400 |
| 1953 | 129,800 |
| 1954 | 130,100 |
| 1955 | 130,600 |
| 1956 | 131,000 |
| 1957 | 131,600 |
| 1958 | 132,000 |
| 1959 | 132,450 |
| 1960 | 133,006 |
| 1961 | 135,500 |
| 1962 | 136,000 |
| 1963 | 136,500 |
| 1964 | 137,000 |
| 1965 | 137,500 |
| 1966 | 138,000 |
| 1967 | 138,500 |
| 1968 | 139,000 |
| 1969 | 139,500 |
| 1970 | 140,000 |
| 1971 | 140,500 |
| 1972 | 141,000 |
| 1973 | 141,500 |
| 1974 | 142,000 |
| 1975 | 142,500 |
| 1976 | 143,000 |
| 1977 | 143,500 |
| 1978 | 144,000 |
| 1979 | 144,400 |
| 1980 | 144,900 |
| 1981 | 145,200 |
| 1982 | 145,600 |
| 1983 | 146,000 |
| 1984 | 146,400 |
| 1985 | 146,800 |
| 1986 | 147,200 |
| 1987 | 147,500 |
| 1988 | 147,800 |
| 1989 | 148,000 |
| 1990 | 148,200 |
| 1991 | 146,400 |
| 1992 | 148,600 |
| 1993 | 148,800 |
| 1994 | 149,000 |
| 1995 | 149,200 |
| 1996 | 149,400 |
| 1997 | 149,600 |
| 1998 | 149,800 |
| 1999 | 150,000 |
| 2000 | 150,200 |
| 2001 | 150,400 |
| 2002 | 150,600 |
| 2003 | 150,800 |
Trace your Bluthner's history using its serial number
The serial number of a Blüthner grand piano can often be found on the left side of the soundboard or behind the keyboard on the belly head . On an upright is often printed on the frame at the top
Bluthner Dates
Match Bluthner serials to years quickly and easily.
Blüthner – A Tradition of European Excellence
Blüthner was founded in 1853 in Leipzig, Germany, by Julius Blüthner, during what is widely regarded as the golden age of piano making. From the outset, the company established a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and a uniquely warm, singing tone that set it apart from its contemporaries.
By the late 19th century, Blüthner had become one of Europe’s most prestigious piano manufacturers, supplying instruments to royal courts, concert halls, and leading musicians worldwide. A defining innovation came in 1873 with the introduction of the Aliquot stringing system, an additional fourth string in the treble, which enriched the harmonic spectrum and gave Blüthner pianos their distinctive lyrical voice.
Many of the finest Blüthner instruments were produced in the pre-war era, and these pianos remain highly sought after today for their tonal colour, warmth, and expressive depth.
In the United Kingdom, Blüthner’s legacy was represented by Whelpdale, Maxwell & Codd (WMC), the official Blüthner agents. WMC also owned Welmar Pianos, operated the Blüthner showroom in London, and managed Blüthner UK’s repair works in Perivale, creating a central hub for sales, service, and technical expertise.
It was within this environment that the Leverett family’s deep connection to Blüthner was formed. Both my father, Colin Leverett, and his brother Derek dedicated over 50 years each to working within Blüthner UK and the WMC network. Their combined experience and understanding of these instruments, developed over a lifetime, form the foundation of our approach today.
At Piano Restorations Ltd, this heritage is not simply respected, it is continued. By combining traditional Blüthner principles with our own pioneering restoration techniques, we bring these exceptional instruments back to life, preserving their unmistakable warmth, colour, and expressive voice for generations to come.
Fun Fact !
Did you know a special lightweight Buthner was constructed for the Hindenburg Airship
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