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Steinway Rosewood Inlaid Model D Centennial Concert Grand Piano, estimated at $100,000-$150,000 at Nadeau's.

Spectacular 19th-century Steinway concert grand piano takes center stage at Nadeau’s April 27

Roland Arkell
Roland Arkell

WINDSOR, Conn. — A spectacular 19th-century Steinway concert grand piano will be offered at Nadeau’s Auction Gallery on Saturday, April 27. Leading the Annual American and Chinese Spring Auction is an instrument that won best in class at the 1876 World’s Fair. It is estimated at $100,000-$150,000. The sale catalog is now open for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

Debuted at the Philadelphia Expo, where it won the gold medal for ‘best concert grand piano,’ it is thought that 424 Model D Centennial pianos were manufactured by Steinway between 1876 and 1883. This one, carrying the serial number 47889 that dates it to circa 1881, is housed in a monumental rosewood and marquetry rococo-style case. Only four of these so-called ‘no expense spared’ cases are known, with this one the sole example to include a newly patented action with 88 keys and A440 tuning.

It was owned by pharmaceutical pioneer Kenneth Alan Hill (1941-2020) of Fort Worth, Texas, who treasured it as a focal point of his mansion, the historic Baldridge House. Restored by Precision Piano Services in California, the piano has recently received a full concert service and maintenance.

Steinway Rosewood Inlaid Model D Centennial Concert Grand Piano, estimated at $100,000-$150,000 at Nadeau's.

Steinway Rosewood Inlaid Model D Centennial Concert Grand Piano, estimated at $100,000-$150,000 at Nadeau's.

Detail of Steinway Rosewood Inlaid Model D Centennial Concert Grand Piano, estimated at $100,000-$150,000 at Nadeau's.

Detail of Steinway Rosewood Inlaid Model D Centennial Concert Grand Piano, estimated at $100,000-$150,000 at Nadeau's.

Detail of Steinway Rosewood Inlaid Model D Centennial Concert Grand Piano, estimated at $100,000-$150,000 at Nadeau's.

Detail of Steinway Rosewood Inlaid Model D Centennial Concert Grand Piano, estimated at $100,000-$150,000 at Nadeau's.

Detail of Steinway Rosewood Inlaid Model D Centennial Concert Grand Piano, estimated at $100,000-$150,000 at Nadeau's.

Detail of Steinway Rosewood Inlaid Model D Centennial Concert Grand Piano, estimated at $100,000-$150,000 at Nadeau's.

Roland Arkell

Roland Arkell

Roland Arkell is editor of Auction Central News and deputy editor at Antiques Trade Gazette. He has been writing about all aspects of the art and antiques market for more than 25 years.