The “Cycloid Grand” piano was manufactured by the illustrious Lindeman & Sons Piano Company in New York. Established in 1836, Lindeman & Sons was one of the first piano factories in the United States.  Most popular during the 1860s – 1880s period, the unusual Cycloid Grand was based on a square grand piano with a finished round back sitting on three legs.

Unlike most conventional square grand pianos which were designed to have their backsides placed against a wall, the Cycloid Grand was designed so that the back of the instrument could be attractively placed in the center of a room, allowing the pianist to view their audience.  The Lindeman Cycloid Grand Piano appears to have enjoyed many professional endorsements by high-profile pianists, musicians, and singers of the period.  Despite the grandiose promotional efforts of the firm, The Cycloid Grand Piano was built in modest numbers and is exceedingly rare today.