Antique Square Grand Piano Price cut Chickering & Sons 1859 Serial Number 21886

Description

Chickering & Sons Square Grand Piano VERIFIED 1859 Serial Number 21886.
Highly motivated Seller will consider any reasonable offer.
This beautiful antique instrument has been previously fully restored and although we do not have details on when that occurred, we estimate it was around 20 years ago based on statements of the previous owner. It has been dutifully maintained over the years. It is Brazilian rosewood, with rounded corners and original key tops in remarkably good condition. The previous owners purchased it in Kentucky at least 20 years ago and it’s been in a climate-controlled environment the many years it has been in Florida. It is almost playable(has a nice action and tone) and holds its tune, but does need adjustments as a few hammers either don't automatically retract without coaxing, or may be slightly misaligned thus causing a couple of “dead keys”.  (As you probably know this is not unusual for older pianos, and easily rectified as part of general tuning and maintenance). The felts, soundboard and overall interior are immaculate and it sounds beautiful! The pedals are functional/ original and may need adjustment once in a permanent location.
There are a few minor cosmetic issues- a small light scuff/scratch on the left side of the case and two (mirror) water damage spots on the folding case top(which are not visible when the top is open). One half of an ivory key top is missing and needs replacing. The original front panel which folds down at a 90degree angle vertically over the keys is missing, though the original hinges are still present. The piano has 6 octaves plus a couple of notes (F to A, 77keys I think). The bagel/bun- shaped balls on the leg bottoms appear to have been removed (probably during restoration) and it now rests on functional casters. The dimensions are approximately 71 ½ inches wide, 36 inches deep(length), and 36 ½ inches in height.
In factory restored condition these pianos retail from about to k. This particular instrument has been appraised at -12K and is not that far from perfect but an expert should really do the repairs. It was in tune and fully playable as recently as about six years ago.
Provenance: We have registered the instrument with the Chickering Foundation(Foundation for the Preservation of Chickering and Early American Keyboard Instruments) and they advised that "this piano shipped from the factory on September 5, 1859 to a retailer and publisher D.P. Faulds & Co. in Louisville, KY. At 6 1/3 octaves, this was the smallest square piano Chickering sold at this time." Turns out that that Faulds was an important "border state" publisher of sheet music during that era and his company also retailed all variety of instruments in later years (advert found from 1881)...At this time the foundation only has two other pianos currently registered in the 21,000 serial number range. From the serial #s on two comps in the Chickering Foundation’s collection and from their records (company registers)we have confirmed that this piano was built in 1859. These pianos are certainly rare and magnificent !!!
Photos and a few short videos of the keys being played can be accessed here:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1E9uuJxpVbBzs4w0FHF2iTvm8JMcupO6E?usp=sharing
Pick up only. Located in Weeki Wachee FL, about 50 miles north of Tampa. We have gotten a moving estimate from a reputable local mover and have also found a tech that may be willing to work on this piano, and will pass on that info to any purchaser.