According to a statement made in 2015 by Norris, a party involved in the piano's history, Liberace's crystal piano was considered to be worth $500,000.
The valuation of Liberace's crystal piano has varied over time, reflecting different perspectives and circumstances. While Norris publicly stated its worth as half a million dollars in 2015, this was a significant shift from an earlier assessment.
Previously, in 2011, Baldwin (the piano manufacturer) held a different view regarding the instrument's value. At that time, Baldwin believed its worth was de minimis (of minimal importance or value). Consequently, Baldwin was reportedly willing to give the piano to Norris if he would cover the cost of a crane required to remove it from the ballroom. However, Norris's public statement about the $500,000 valuation four years later garnered significant attention from Baldwin.
To illustrate the differing views on its worth, consider the following timeline:
Year | Valued By | Stated Value | Context |
---|---|---|---|
2011 | Baldwin | De minimis | Baldwin was willing to transfer ownership to Norris if he paid for the crane removal. |
2015 | Norris | $500,000 | Norris publicly stated this value to a national reporter, drawing attention from Baldwin. |
The shifting perceptions of the piano's value highlight its unique status as both a musical instrument and a piece of entertainment history, intertwined with the legacy of Liberace.