1884 Steinway & Sons in Rosewood

This Model "A", #50446 was manufactured at Steinway's New York Factory and has been in my family since the 1920's. It has been passed down three generations from my great-grandfather, renowned American philanthropist Charles Edward Marsh*. A member of the PTG recently appraised the piano and stated that he had not seen its equal; he was extremely complimentary of the Rosewood finish and said he’s not seen wood of that quality as one piece. He expressed continuous amazement of the overall excellent condition and sound. A portion of his findings is as follows: "The tuning pins are size 2/0, and the torque on the tuning pins is 50 to 60 inch-pounds which is quite sufficient to hold a nice tuning. The pitch is approximately 20 cents flat of A-440. The piano has a nice tone and good sustain. The soundboard and bridges are in excellent condition. I believe that the soundboard, bridges, pinblock, tuning pins, strings and dampers were all replaced at that time. The bridges and soundboard and strings are still in very good condition. The piano has a beautiful set of ivories, that are slightly yellowed. The keyboard compass is 85 notes (7 octaves), from AAA to a’’’’. The piano has been well maintained, and has received only moderate use. The action is in good playable condition. The key pins are rusty and need to be polished or replaced. The keybed felt could be replaced and the keys regulated. The hammers need minor shaping and voicing, and the action could use a minor regulation. Specifically, cleaning graphite off of the knuckles, repining the hammer flanges, and regulating hammer blow distance and let-off, regulating the repetition lever height and spring tension, and regulating the jack/knuckle position." Any music and/or antique connoisseur can appreciate fully the beauty and value of this beloved instrument. Copy of appraiser's findings are available upon request. For additional pics or information on this remarkable classic or to make an appointment to view, email: heather@decrete.com

* Charles Edward Marsh founded the Public Welfare Foundation in 1947; see "The Anonymous Giver" and "Seeking the Greatest Good" published in 2000 by the Public Welfare Foundation, Washington D.C.