Chickering and Sons Grand Piano

Description:

Chickering and Sons Grand Piano, Boston, 1858, white pine, walnut and rosewood, eighty-five notes, Rococo Revival decorated surfaces including pedal lyre, fruit and foliage on frame, inscribed on interior of fall board "Chickering./BOSTON" and on iron frame "CHICKERING. & SONS/TREMONT ST. BOSTON," under the keyboard in pencil "19298/GHR," with paper labels "No. 1154/Charles Pickett" and "No. 833/No. Heaman," lg. 81, wd. 55 in.

Provenance: Sold by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston for the benefit of the collections. Gift of Terrance and Cynthia DuPont Tobias. 1979.122. The instrument was purchased from Phillip Steinhaus of Provincetown, Massachusetts. It had belonged formerly to Mrs. Richard Brandt of Boston.

N.B. In the 19th century, the triangulated form of this parlor grand piano was also called a "Cocked-Hat" piano, as the view of the piano from above resembled a top hat worn at an angle. Chickering and Sons was the leading piano manufacturer when this instrument was produced in the mid-19th century. Major woodwork was executed in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and cases were moved by train to Boston and then carved and ornamentalized. The keys were produced in Lancaster, Massachusetts, and the pianos were exhibited for sale in Boston.
Estimate $2,000-3,000

Instrument not guaranteed to be in working order. Case was refinished, some nicks, scuffs, surface wear including heat marks and signs of age and use.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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