Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/9/2011

Question
Is there any way to determine if there is value to an Estey pump organ built in 1888 that has been converted into a computer desk?  I was told the integrity was kept, the cracked soundboard & keys have been removed, making a drawer & space for computer equipment.  The serial number is 212023, with 88 imprinted smaller inside the serial number.  It is fully finished all the way around.  The drawers & paper sorter I was told were made from part of the original pump, the knobs on the drawers were the pulls. All of this is from a lady that had it on consignment for my father, except I did check out the serial number & photos on other Estey's to find out the year, model & mfg.

Answer
Hi Jennifer
Nice to hear from you.
I can tell you that your pump organ desk is worth a lot more than your pump organ was before the conversion.
Actually these old organs and pianos have little value.
I made a conversion myself a few years back. I got my inspiration from the following site.

http://www.tinkertunes.com/upright-furniture-co

At one time this company used to advertise the prices they charged for their finished conversions but I think now you must contact them.
In any event they ranged from $2500.00 upwards. It depended on the type and beauty of the wood and how detailed the conversion was.
I'm sure you will agree some of their old pianos and organs are now useful beautiful things.
Hope this is a starting point at least.
Kind Regards
Eileen
PS if you sent a picture I could hook that up with a price from memory.