Seeburg Serial Numbers and Dates

Summary of Statistical Data

To determine the age of a Seeburg piano, look at the plate and serial number. All of the following numbers are approximate, and are subject to change based upon further research.

Haddorff (Rockford, Illinois)

If a Seeburg has a rubber-stamped serial number, is it a Haddorff. The pinblock is openface, and the lower part of a keyboard-style piano plate was originally painted black. Haddorff numbers run from about 19,000 (1907) to 96,000 (1922).

Edmund Gram (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

If a Seeburg has large cloverleaf-shaped holes in the lower portion of the plate, it is a Gram. The plate completely covers the pinblock and the serial number is die-stamped. Early Gram numbers run from about 5,600 (1910) to 12,400 (1917). Transitional Gram/Seeburg numbers run from about 52,000 (1920) to 54,000 (1923) and are listed below at the beginning of the Seeburg (Marshall) list.

Seybold (E.P. Johnson, Elgin, Illinois)

If a Seeburg has each consecutive group of three tuning pins staggered more than usual, it is a Seybold. The plate completely covers the pinblock and the serial number is die-stamped. A separate "Seeburg" overlay plate covers the "Seybold" name at the upper right corner of the plate. Seybold numbers run from about 16,000 (1912) to 20,000 (1913).

Post-1920 J. P. Seeburg or Western Electric Pianos

If a Seeburg or Western Electric has a die-stamped number between 50,000-55,xxx or over 155,000, it was made in the Seeburg factory. Seeburg factory numbers run to 168,000 (1928 or 1929), and continue on in early pneumatically-controlled jukeboxes.

Starting Piano Serial Numbers for Each Year
Year Haddorff Gram Seybold J.P. Seeburg
("Marshall")
1907 19,000
1908 25,000      
1909 31,000
1910 36,000 5,600    
1911 42,000 6,200
1912 46,000 6,800 16,000  
1913 51,000 8,500 17,000 - 20,000
1914 56,000 9,000    
1915 61,700 10,000
1916 66,500 11,200    
1917 71,500 12,400
1918 76,500      
1919 81,000
1920 86,000     50,000?
1921 91,000 52,000
1922 96,000     54 - 55,000
and 155,000
1923 156,000
1924       158,000
1925 160,000
1926       162,,000
1927 164,000
1928       166,000
1929 168,000