Lot number 2712 - Auction 150
MUSEALER HISTORISCHER KONZERTFLÜGEL 'CARL BECHSTEIN'*

MUSEUM-QUALITY HISTORIC CONCERT GRAND PIANO 'CARL BECHSTEIN'* Berlin, 1873 Concert grand piano, black polished shellac, carved ebony around the frame with portraits of famous composers, gold-plated bronze fittings, ivory-covered keys. Length: 212 cm. Inscription 'C. Bechstein' on the front, 'C. Bechstein Berlin' inside, serial number '6104', first delivery October 1873. Curved body, solid cast iron frame, on three decorated baluster legs, on casters, openwork carved music rest, fold-out, lyre-shaped pedal support. A magnificent concert grand piano from the C. Bechstein workshop, made in Berlin in 1873. This exceptional instrument-one of only two known examples of this design-is decorated with elaborate ebony carvings, including four portrait heads of famous composers on the edge of the case. Further fine decorative elements in ebony and cast bronze underline the prestigious character of this rare piece. The grand piano survived both world wars and underwent extensive restoration by C. Bechstein in 2016. All work is documented. A supplementary expert opinion from C. Bechstein dated 2021 is also available. A rare collector's item of 19th-century German piano craftsmanship. Completely overhauled by C. Bechstein in 2016, pin block replaced, soundboard restored. The piano is located in a private home in Berlin-Pankow and will not be displayed at the auction house. A preview is possible by appointment only and upon individual request. Literature: C.-Bechstein-Pianofortefabrik AG & Küpper: Klavierwelten - Faszination eines Instruments (Piano Worlds - The Fascination of an Instrument), Berlin 2003. Expert opinion: Expert opinion and appraisal by C. Bechstein, May 2021, available. Provenance: Private collection, Berlin-Pankow