Post #173249 by ookoo lady on Tue, Jul 19, 2005 9:36 PM

My oldest possession is a Steinway piano from about 1890. This piano is currently the object of a huge family controversy.

My great-uncle bought this piano in 1908 and gave it to his new wife as a wedding present. In 1965 she sold the piano to my father for $300.00. My father passed away in 1969, and the piano remained with my mother, and then I have had it for the past 20 years.

Now my great-aunt's descendants (my cousins) say they want "their" piano back. They claim it was in their family first, and it wasn't actually sold, but just a loan to my father. Everyone involved in that transaction is now deceased, and we all have very clear opinions of what our parents told us.

This has been simmering in the background for some years but recently came to a boiling point because my brother's daughter is going to start piano lessons and we have discussed moving the piano to his house. My cousins found out and are adamant that if the piano goes anywhere, it should be to them.

This piano is extremely precious to me. My most vivid memories of my father are of him playing this piano, and it is my only legacy from him.

My cousins also have a sentimental claim to it. So far we have not found a resolution that everyone is happy with. For the time being, the piano will stay with me.