Chickering
Jonas Chickering lived in the Boston area and was apprenticed to Benjamin Crehore around 1815 to learn instrument making. It was here that he developed his skills as a piano builder. After working for another builder and acquiring experience he began his own business in Boston in 1823. From the very first Chickering's pianos were of superb quality and design and coupled with a partner who was good at marketing his pianos became known throughout all of North and South America. In 1843 he incorporated his concept for a cast iron frame in a concert grand piano, and an improved version of this piano received unparalleled praise at the first International Exposition held in 1851 at the Crystal Palace, London, winning the top awards. In 1852 Jonas made his three sons Thomas, Frank, and George partners in the firm. In 1867 following the great Paris Exposition of 1867 Frank Chickering had the Imperial Cross of the Legion of Honour, then one of the world's most prestigious non-military awards, bestowed upon him by Emperor Napoleon III for services to the art of music. The Chickering pianos built up until around the Second World War are considered to be second to none and some of the concert grands built around the period of the late 1800's to around 1925 have some of the most powerful and rich sounds possible, especially in the bass.
Description
Category
Music and Music Instruments
Medium
Rosewood Case Iron cast metal frame & has Ivory piano keys
Distinguishing marks
Floral engravings I'ds (67B) Serial # 78406 Chickering & Sons Boston. USA
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
Unkwon upright Piano
Date Period
Patented 10/31/1876
Weight
unknown but weights alot
History
go to www.kbbantiquepianos.com look under chickering pianos
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known)
Unknown
For Sale?
No
Photos
Re: Antique Piano 132 years old
According to the serial number you list "78406" your piano was made around 1889, the patent date just indicates when that design was first covered by the patent, patents at that time lasting 17 years.
While Chickering is noted for its fine piano's age and maker is not a good indicator of value. A piano of this age would require a total rebuild of its internal workings to be playable. Pianos of this vintage unless completely restored often sell for under
$1000.00 at auction
Lovejoy
Re: Antique Piano 132 years old
I also have an antique upright piano. I found that the best information to get, would be from an older professional piano tuner. Ask if they tune by ear, if yes, then you have an indicator that you probably have a fairly knowledgeable person because he has been doing it for a long time.
Befriend the guy when he stops in (they don't typically cost a lot to do the job) and watch. He typically will dismantle most of the piano and point out any problems (i.e. cracked sound board etc.). Mine even told me how to resolve some of the issues! I even found out that the keys had been filed back (which reduced it's value).
When done, you will have a lot more information about the unit (and a tuned piano if you can play it!) with which to make a closer evaluation and decision as to what to do next.
From that you decide if you want to sell, bring in a professional evaluator, or simply enjoy it!
Unfortunately this is simply an item with a lot of internal details that need to be looked at before a close value can be put on it. So Lovejoy's value is probably the best you can get on line.
250chief