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

YearHaddorffGramSeyboldJ.P. Seeburg
("Marshall")
190719,000
190825,000   
190931,000
191036,0005,600  
191142,0006,200
191246,0006,80016,000 
191351,0008,50017,000 - 20,000
191456,0009,000  
191561,70010,000
191666,50011,200  
191771,50012,400
191876,500   
191981,000
192086,000  50,000?
192191,00052,000
192296,000  54 - 55,000
and 155,000
1923156,000
1924   158,000
1925160,000
1926   162,000
1927164,000
1928   166,000
1929168,000