Steinway Rosewood Inlaid Model D Centennial Concert Grand Piano
One of four known examples with this particular form, the rosewood case set on heavily carved cabriole legs with filigree, hanging grape clusters, scroll-work and medallions at the knees, pierced carved lyre shaped pedal post, heavily pierced carved sheet music stand with figural winged maidens, the heavy applied filigree carved mounts and side panels of this case are intricately inlaid with grape leaves.
Named the Centennial by William E. Steinway in anticipation of competing at the first World’s Fair held in 1876 in Philadelphia to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Independence of America where the model won “best concert grand piano; manufactured in a limited edition of approximately 424 over a 7 year period (1876-1883), this unit retains its serial number 47889 (c.1881). With 88 keys, the piano is set up in A440 tuning, which was the newly introduced tuning of the time; at the time, Steinway was transitioning their model D’s from this Rococo style to the newer style with turned legs and newly patented modern action, the Centennial is the only known Rococo style case to incorporate the new modern action.
Restored by Precision Piano Services in California, this piano recently received a full concert service and maintenance, as well as having the cutting-edge PianoDisc Prodigy player system upgrade from renowned piano technician Robin Hufford.
Height: 4’ 2”, Width: 5’ 1”, Length: 8’ 11”
Provenance: Previously owned by pharmaceutical pioneer Kenneth Alan Hill of Fort Worth, Texas, who treasured it as a focal point of his mansion, the historic Baldridge House.
Estimate: $100000 - $150000
