SOLD: 1915 Chickering Anniversary Grand Piano | Satin Ebony – Very Good

Description

1915 Chickering & Sons Anniversary Grand Piano | Satin Ebony – #125115

Chickering & Sons has long been a storied name within the piano world. The Chickering & Sons piano company was founded in the year 1823 in Boston, Massachusetts by craftsman Jonas Chickering and his first business partner James Stewart. Jonas Chickering’s initial experience was in cabinet making and he apprenticed for three years with master cabinet maker John Osborn. This is where he met Osborn’s partner and his later business associate, James Stewart. The Chickering company’s first year in business resulted in 15 pianos produced. The initial partnership with Stewart did not last long and after four years they dissolved their business connections. This left Chickering as the sole owner of the small piano manufacturing business. Chickering built a new five-story piano factory along with a small concert venue on Washington Street in Boston. His new partner at that time was John Mackay, however that partnership did not last long either as Mackay was lost at sea in early 1841. The outgoing and aggressive Mackay was a sea captain and he would assist in the export of the pianos and would return with rare rosewood and figured mahogany for use in Chickering’s piano building.

Tragedy struck in 1852 when the Washington street factory burned to the ground. Numerous tools, patterns, and a prototype for a new type of Grand Piano were all lost. Chickering quickly attempted to rebound and began construction of a new, state-of-the-art factory – one he would not live to see completed. Jonas Chickering died on December 8^th, 1853 leaving behind a legacy of quality, innovation, and over 12,000 pianos built.

Like many makers, the Chickering brand was bought by the American Piano Company in 1908 and later part of Aeolian when AMPICO and Aeolian merged. In 1927 the Boston factory was closed and operations were moved to East Rochester, New York. Wurlitzer and Baldwin also manufactured pianos utilizing the Chickering brand.

Chickering & Sons Anniversary Grand #125115 was crafted in 1915, prior to the closing of the Boston Factory. This instrument measures approx. 5’8″ in length and is in excellent condition. It was restored fairly recently. The original ivory keytops are in spectacular condition and the cabinet features a satin ebony finish in very good shape. The instrument features a fairly standard case design for the era, including rounded cabinet arms, rim molding, and tapered legs terminating in brass ferrules. The piano features the original factory action parts and a soundboard that is free from cracks. The tuning pins are held tight by the pinblock, ensuring a stable quality of tune. This instrument was acquired by us out of a home environment. The only missing component of this instrument is the front lid flap that attaches to the top lid. If the piano is kept open it is not that noticeable from an aesthetic perspective and does not change the quality of tone. We are able to offer this historic, golden-era grand piano for a very low price, allowing you the opportunity to bring a piece of vintage American music history into your home. Questions? We are always just a click or phone call away! 

Chupp’s Piano Service, Inc. | Piano Expertise Since 1975

With over forty years of experience, Chupp’s Piano Service specializes in the art of piano restoration and repair. Our Rebuilding Facility and Piano Showroom in New Paris, Indiana offers an uncommonly wide selection of fully restored Steinway & Sons, brand new Kawai, vintage Mason & Hamlin, and pre-owned Yamaha pianos for you to play and select from. We are more than happy to open up both of our facilities for private selection appointments to allow you to select the piano that is the right fit for you.

Don’t live near our showroom? Don’t worry! We regularly partner with the best piano movers in the industry to ship our pianos across the continent and around the world. Contact us today with any questions you may have.

Chupp’s Piano Service, Inc | Since 1975 | Piano Restoration & Rebuilding | Piano Sales & Service

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