Through my web site, I have just received an e-mail from someone named
"Sopo Lomidze" about a Zimmermann player piano which he claims to be
selling.  The language is poor and reads thus:-

"I sell a Zimmermann antique piano.  This piano was made in 1885-1908.
It has a mechanical player.  This piano was made with natural tree.
This Zimmermann antique piano is not restored and is in good condition.
It's serial number is 7348.  It is very interesting and rare musical
instrument.  If you are interested please contact me.  It's price is
100,000 dollars."

The e-mail contains four photos of the piano which certainly has an
exceptional case, being quite ornate with two 2-branch candle holders.
The roll mechanism is in a large tray under the keyboard which pulls
out, and has a large winding handle.  There is no indication of pedals,
so it would appear to be a hand-cranked instrument.  The roll runs
horizontally the full length of the piano, and the holes are much
larger than normal, suggesting a purely mechanical action.

Since I can find no information about Zimmermann players, other than
a reference to Zimmermann being merged with Hupfeld in 1926, I wonder
whether any MMD'ers have any more information about this company and
its products.  I certainly have no intention of following up the offer
for sale (too many 000's), but if anyone wants the contact details,
or the photos, let me know.  I don't know where Sopo Lomidze is located
(uses a Yahoo email), and, of course, it may be yet another scam.

John Farmer
www.musicanic.com