Chickering & Sons Victorian Concert Grand Piano

Jonas Chickering holds the distinction of being America's first piano manufacturer. Founded in 1823—three decades before Steinway—the Chickering firm quickly gained international acclaim for crafting some of the finest pianos the world has ever known. Renowned artists such as Franz Liszt and Louis Moreau Gottschalk insisted on Chickering concert grands for their performances, as these instruments were the most powerful and resilient of their time. Liszt himself reportedly remarked that Chickering’s concert grand was among the few pianos capable of withstanding his famously intense and impassioned playing without suffering damage.

This piano was built in 1864 during the height of the Civil War!  It is fascinating to think about the trees that would become this instrument were growing silently across the landscape during a time when Native American tribes still thrived across the Americas undisturbed, long before pioneers began to settle the American frontier.  With the soundboard crafted from old-growth North American spruce, the case crafted from now-endangered Brazilian Rosewood and the keyboard crafted from now-endangered genuine ivory, this piano is not only a masterpiece of musical craftsmanship but also a relic of a bygone era. An instrument like this simply could not be built today.

This particular instrument is a rare, full-size concert grand from the height of the Victorian era. While most concert grands were utilitarian in nature—built for institutional or stage use and typically quite plain—this piano stands apart as an extraordinary exception. Crafted from exquisitely carved Brazilian Rosewood in the opulent Rococo Victorian style, it was likely commissioned for an affluent private residence where its elegance would complement lavish surroundings. The elaborate carved legs and moldings provide a striking contrast to the delicately detailed filigree music stand, highlighting the artistry and craftsmanship of its design.

In its day, a full-size concert grand piano represented one of the most luxurious and expensive musical instruments available. One built in such an ornate case would have been even more costly, placing it firmly in the realm of the elite few who could afford such grandeur.  Despite its 19th-century origins, this piano is remarkably advanced for its time. It features a full 88-note keyboard—an uncommon feature in instruments of this era. The original ivory keys are in pristine condition and will be meticulously restored. The entire instrument, inside and out, will be professionally restored to like-new condition.

If desired, this piano can be equipped with the Pianomation player system, and can play by itself by streaming music live from any smart device.  Thousands of song titles are available.