Fine Steinway & Sons Rosewood Patent Grand Piano

ca. 1865, bearing the serial number 11858, accompanied by a Louis XV-style mahogany bench.
piano h. 39-1/2", w. 55", l. 86", bench h. 20", w. 40", d. 16"

In fine, professionally restored condition. Very clean throughout. Plays well. Only very minor imperfections and dings to the edges. We do not know where this piano was restored. Also, we are uncertain if the parts are from Steinway. The keys are synthetic. Object: Steinway Parlor Grand, Style 1 Serial No: 11853 Date of Mfg.: 1865 This is an early version of what became the 7 octave Model C. 7’1”, AAA-a4, 7 octaves (85 notes). It has 21 bass notes. The action has been replaced and extensively modified. They did not use Steinway parts. The hammers are Renner Premium Blues, which are top quality. The shanks are a compromise, they are a generic universal fit, also high quality. The whippens are not Steinway design, possibly Mason and Hamlin. They were taken from an older grand piano, rebuilt and with heels added to replace the sticker action. The keys have had the original rockers removed and replaced with wooden blocks and modern style capstans. The wooden action frame and rails remain. The redesign is successful, if not historically accurate. The action plays reasonably well, not to concert level but good enough for home use. The pinblock in a ¾ plate has been redrilled and strings replaced using oversize tuning pins. They are tight and will hold tune. The soundboard has been repaired, shimmed and ribs reattached. The bridges are original, cleaned and dressed. The ivory keytops have been replaced with standard acrylic tops. The damper action is original and works well, the pedal needs some regulation of its motion.