Name/Title
PianoEntry/Object ID
2016.12.1Description
a) Square piano which by oral tradition is from Whiteside's Tavern/more commonly known as the Bean Station Tavern, all-wood frame with crotch mahogany veneer (except on back)/book matched veneer on lid top (mirror image of feather-like pattern, fine line runs along edges), large patch in mahogany at front right with grain of veneer running the wrong way*, tiger or cross grain on back panel, oval plate with keyhole [key missing], original pedestal platform, original European-made hinges mounted at top back to hold lid, metal mechanism/arm under instrument to work one-time pedals, metal mounts remain under lid for one-time music stand, black keys are likely ebony wood finished black and polished, Viennese action (hammers are hinged at back with hammer head toward piano front) /mounted on wooden sled that forms bottom part of action, tuning pins mounted at the front, probably metal hitch pins (which are superior), a few notes marked with letters (C, D)/others may be covered with dirt/grime, threaded hole at each corner beneath body (done at time of manufacture to give buyer flexibility of choosing legs or pedestal), tiger or cross grain on back panel, hinged front folds back to show keyboard, oval gold-tone plaque at center front reads "Andre Stein Augesbourg, Vienne," black "1783." on orange background under front, manufactured by Matthaus Stein (Vienna), 34"h x 66 3/4"w x 30"d, c. 1830/early 1830s.
According to German Stein expert Roland Hentzschel, he production number would have been written by hand in graphite inside the instrument and should be between 600 and 700.
According to furniture conservator James Hooper the veneers match, quarter round molding to either side beneath keyboard, hardware below lyre assembly for pedals.
* According to Collections Committee member Buford Blanton, the patch could have been done at first assembly, instead of later.
b) Lyre assembly/bracket - mounts into pedestal base, half scallop at front top, two roundels applied to veneer at front bottom, "1783" penciled on base front and under the piano is not the production number or year of manufacture but probably an assembly number to identify parts for a particular piano.Made/Created
Manufacturer
Stein (Vienna, Austria)Notes
Date: 1830 c.Dimensions
Height
34 inWidth
66-3/4 inDepth
30 inWeight
200 oz