The Piano
This square piano (serial number 705) was built in New York in Steinway & Sons’ second full year of production. It's know as "The Second Oldest Known Steinway and Sons Piano In The World", the oldest is owned by Steinway itself. This Steinway square piano represents an important chapter in the family’s rise in America.
When the Steinwig family arrived in America in 1850, they began working for various piano makers in the city, to learn the trade of piano making specifically in America…
In this way, once they began on their own, they had a full command of the styles people would buy. They changed their name to Steinway on forming a family partnership in 1853, and began making under their own name, starting with serial number 483.”
The piano features a smaller, older design with a full iron frame, an iron string plate, 6 1/2 octaves (80 keys), and is not overstrung. Its story offers a fascinating window into the early days of one of America’s most iconic piano makers.
“This square piano is somewhat smaller and of an older design...