eBay
Up for bid is a Lester Spinet Piano, Betsey Ross model (#131340).  This piano is a mid-1940s model, made in Philadelphia, PA.  Located in EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN, the piano is AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP ONLY.  NO DELIVERY.  Bring your own crew.  You will need at least two adults to move this piano.  I have a bad back and cannot help with moving.  

The piano was used for lessons for our kids.  It has been largely unused since they went off to college.  It is a wonderful piano that deserves a good home where it will be appreciated.  Undoubtedly, it will need to be tuned.  Our piano teacher often commented on the quality of the sound produced by this piano.  The bench is included with the piano.  One website described Lester pianos as having, “won a high place in the world of music because of their sweetness of tone and the care expended in their construction.”  

The exterior of the piano can be described as a mahogany veneer, with turned and fluted legs.  All keys work well, as do the three pedals.  

The serial number gives a rough indication of the date of manufacture.  The serial number is located on the frame of the piano, under the lid, accompanied by a date (6/4/1944).  One website (shown below) indicates that Lester “Betsy Ross” pianos manufactured in 1948 began with a serial number of 175000, indicating that the 1944 date written inside the piano corresponds with its 131340 serial number.  I have seen a similar piano, made in 1940, with a serial number of 118394.  EBay no longer allows direct link to an external website (go figure).  If you would like to visit the website that describes Lester pianos, assemble the following elements and paste it into your browser:
www
bluebookofpianos
dot com
/agesl.
htm#LESTER

If interested, this website also gives a detailed description of the Lester Piano Company in Philadelphia.  The "Betsy Ross" spinet pianos were its best known models and were known for their waterfall shaped keys -- no sharp edges.  Lester pianos were sought by performers, orchestras, and music conservatories of the day.  

Please email with any questions.  If you wish to look over the piano in person, I will provide a phone number to call for an appointment.

Payment is due within 72 hours (3 days) of close of auction.  If an item remains unpaid for more than 7 days, the seller reserves the right to re-list the item.  I prefer payment by Paypal, but eBay allows buyers to request other forms of payment.  As an eBay seller, I cannot solicit or advertise any payment method other than Paypal.  Please note that I absolutely do not accept personal checks.  If you intend to pay by a method other than Paypal, please notify me by email.

The piano is sold “as is”– no warranties are given or implied.  I do not provide refunds, precisely because the item is sold “as is”.  If you have questions, email me before the end of the auction – that way, you know what you’re bidding on and you will be clear about the piano’s condition and pick-up terms.  As soon as I receive your feedback for the transaction, I will post a feedback.