Piano

Object/Artifact

Historic Hudson Valley

Name/Title

Piano

Entry/Object ID

SS.61.12

Description

Piano, "square" type (actually rectangular in shape): rosewood veneered case, with lid hinged in middle, and additional hinged side piece which, when case is closed, folds down over keyboard; when cover is opened to reveal keyboard and folding music rack, label of maker may be seen with decorative surrounds of flowers and leaves, inlaid with light-colored wood visible; keyboard, with ebony and ivory-veneered keys, covers range of 6 octaves, and is off-set to left of center of case; action of instrument set on slight diagonal to length of case, with iron frame, steel wires (three for each tone), wooden hammers, felt-padded, felt dampers; case and contained action supported on four heavy legs, with rings at top, and fluted inverted trumpet shape tapering to bottom, terminating in ferrules, with attached casters set into bottoms; soft-pedal and sustaining pedal at rear center of case, supported by lyre-shaped unit of wood and metal; label above keyboard "Manufactured by ROBERT NUNNS, CLARK & Co - Late R. & W. Nunns - NEW-YORK"; inside case, in 3 places, serial no. 2953; case maker's name stamped inside front: "W TICHNER".

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Robert Nunns, Clark & Company

Date made

1833 - 1838

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Inscription

Transcription

See description

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Overall

Height

33 in

Width

71 in

Depth

28-5/8 in

Dimension Notes

Display Dimensions: 33 x 71 x 28 5/8 in. (83.8 x 180.3 x 72.7 cm)

Material

ebony, Rosewood veneer, brass, Steel, Casters, Wire Steel, Iron, Felt, ivory

Condition

Notes

Remarks: During Winter Cleaning 2012, some additional separation of the veneer was noted on the side of the piano nearest the room well (player's left); this area must be cleaned very carefully in the future; on April 19, 2012, it was noted that there is a new small scratch in the surface at the top left side of the piano (see Damage and Loss Report in object folder).

Notes

Remarks: Detail of condition: Badly in need of tuning and minor repairs. Sound board cracked; felts in need of repair; mildew throughout interior and on bottom exterior; minor chips in veneer; front leg loose and other three carry all weight.

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Washington Irving (1783-1859)

Notes

Former owner

General Notes

Note Type

StorageNote

Note

Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Sunnyside, Parlor