Own a Rare Piece of French History

This elegant, one of a kind, Pleyel piano (number 192230) was commissioned in 1853, completed in 1854 and was acquired by the Pereire family (documented from the Pleyel archive). The Pereire brothers, Isaac and Emile, bankers, were major figures in the development of France’s finance and infrastructure during the Second French Empire. They helped shape the landscape of Paris.

The cabinetmaker was Charles Nicolas Herrig 1822-1869 in the style of Louise XV. This exquisite piano is described in the archives as rosewood veneer with golden bronze sculptures (bronze with gold leaf). It was sold to the Pereire brothers for 300 francs in 1854.

Pleyel of Paris is one of the oldest and most celebrated piano manufacturers in the world. Pleyel pianos were widely celebrated by history’s preeminent pianists during the Romanic period such as Frederick Chopin, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Mendelson, to name a few. Pleyel pianos were primarily distributed throughout major European countries. It is very rare for a piano of this status to be on the market and in the United States.

The early upright piano has a light, delicate tone quality that is very pleasing to the ear. This instrument will be restored to like-new condition at the purchaser’s discretion, both inside and out. This is a rare opportunity to own an irreplaceable musical, historical piece of art!

Jean Jude, a leading authority on Pleyel Pianos, has done the research on this piano. He has appeared on French television and written a book: Pleyel 1757-1857, las passion d’un siècle. He is in the process of writing a second book which a picture of this piano will be included.

This is a rare opportunity to own an irreplaceable part of musical history.