Broadwood 1841 - New Home Found

'Extra Size Best Grand Patent 6½ Octaves'

This handsome piano, number 53269, is a rare example of the model thus described in Broadwood's price-list for 1842.  Compared to the standard square piano priced at 37 guineas (£38 17s) the cost for this model was 75 guineas (90 gns in rosewood).

By the 1840s, the lids of square pianos were usually made in two pieces rather than the original three, now divided nearly half-way back so that the front portion was opened to reveal a grand-style music desk, with decorative fretwork over the rest of the exposed interior.  The front panel was extended to almost the full width of the instrument  to give a symmetrical appearance when closed.  

With the fretwork removed, we see the full-length soundboard.  

The interior appears to be complete and intact, with all the original strings.  

NEW HOME FOUND

8/25