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Grand Piano

1868
Not on view
This grand piano was known as a "Plain Grand Style 2" piano. The 8 foot 5 inch piano was Steinway's flagship model and their first piano with eighty-eight keys. It was the ancestor of the Centennial Grand introduced in 1875 that became the iconic "Model D" Steinway concert grand piano. This instrument has Steinway's patent resonator and patent double repeating action inside of the rosewood case and supported by three serpentine legs. By the time this instrument was built in 1868, Steinway & Sons had become the leading piano manufacturer in the United States. Innovations such as the cast iron frame and overstringing, both present on this instrument, were adopted by piano manufacturers worldwide.

This "Plain Grand Style 2," case was finished January 9, 1869 by Hebeler was sold on September 29 to G. DeForest, 37 W. 96th Street. It was resold June 3, 1905 to Mrs. L. L. Haughwant, Reedsville, PA.

Technical description:
This instrument was probably pitched at a'=435. It has a French rocker action with tubular action frame (patented 1868), 2 pedals, a compression bar to maintain the soundboard crown, a 3/4 plate with holly-leaf openings with agragges throughout, and a glued up (not bent) rim. The present music rack (style in production until 1898) may date from 1905. (Kehl, 1995)

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Grand Piano
  • Maker: Steinway & Sons (American, New York 1853–present)
  • Date: 1868
  • Geography: New York, New York, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Rosewood, wood, metal
  • Dimensions: Depth: 61 5/8 in. (156.5 cm)
    Length: 256 cm
    Width: 147 cm
    Height 99 cm H
    Body w/o legs: 42 cm
  • Classification: Chordophone-Zither-struck-piano
  • Credit Line: Gift of Frederick R. Gorreé, 1985
  • Object Number: 1985.407
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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