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 manufacturing in the United States. Innovations such as the cast iron frame and overstringing, both present on this instrument, were adopted by piano manufacturers worldwide.
The company's innovations, which included the cast iron frame"Plain Grand Style 2," case finished January 9, 1869 by Hebeler; sold September 29 to G. DeForest, 37 W. 96th Street, resold June 3, 1905 to Mrs. L.L. Haughwant, Reedsville PA. This 8'5" piano represents Steinway's flagship model, their first attempt at an 88-note grand and the ancestor of the 1875 Centennial Grand (Model D);