*Cross posted*
This is a simply beautiful and one of a kind piece.
Rescued off of a turn of the century Mendelssohn Piano — which was too forlorned to continue doing life the way it had been (you’ll see more of its transformation in the shop in a bit!)— this Upright Piano, Top Front Panel is simply stunning.
In fact, the longer this was up on my wall for photos, the more I fell in love with it. Its wood grain and tone are gorgeous! And combined with the beautiful carved detailing the overall effect is absolutely mesmerizing in person — with the daylight changing through the window it just shines its vibrant history. The camera doesn’t do it justice. I kept walking by it and compulsively announcing, “Wow that is pretty!” before I even knew I was talking out loud. (I’m an internal thinker.)
At 18.75” tall and 54.24” wide, this panel is perfect as a wall hanging. We have added two sturdy “D Rings” on the back for easy hanging. (Gorilla wall hooks (sold elsewhere) are great for holding up heavier art.) This piece is ideal for so many places— over a fireplace, a couch, a bed, in an entryway — anyplace that needs a little history and character.
Additionally, the lower lip previously used to hold sheet music, also allows it to be used as a picture ledge or a book display!
This is an antique with history— I’m sure it’s seen its fair share of family life —so there are a few blemishes. A small bit of white paint is present. And a bit of very light...something along the lines of colored pencil — which isn’t immediately noticeable but lightly seen more from an angle in bright light — is located in the center. All this can be seen in the photos if you zoom in.
But it has no odors from its long life.
And incase you are afraid we ruined this precious antique — as we were initially concerned we might be by doing this project —Our research revealed that: “A piano is actually a machine. Each of the parts have been submitted to wear throughout the life of the piano. This means that each of these parts may need specialized restoration to bring them back to their usefulness. Restoring and retuning an antique piano can easily cost $2,500 or more. Even when fully restored the piano won't play like a new piano, nor will it have the clear sound. If you want an antique piano as a showpiece in your vintage home then it is fine to get one. However, if you are looking for a piano that can be used for a serious pianist you will probably want to put your money into a new piano.”
With that in mind, along with the condition of this piano, we felt very confident we were extending and enriching the life of this special piano.
For anyone interested in the piano’s history (I love history of visual things!) here’s a little of that:
Based on serial number this piano was build between 1900–1910 by Mendelssohn Piano Company in Derby, Connecticut.
Founded in 1870 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, the Mendelssohn Piano Company was relocated to the heart of early-American piano making in New York. By 1900, Mendelssohn Piano Company had been bought by a large industry piano and organ manufacturers at the time, Sterling Piano & Organ Company of Derby, Connecticut.
Often referred to as the Golden Era of pianos, the Mendelssohn pianos and others made around the turn of the century were built with high standards. Mendelssohn was mainly known for their uprights or “Cabinet Grand” Pianos. A vintage advertisement describes Mendelssohn pianos as having a “magnificent rosewood case, 3 strings, 7 1/3 octaves full, patent cantante agraffes, beautiful carved legs and lyre, heavy serpentine and large fancy moulding, etc”.
In the 1880s and 1890s, upright piano production increased substantially and by the last decade of the 19th century, the square grand piano that had dominated the market for the past century had all but vanished. Since this was the height of the Victorian era, manufacturers were building their upright pianos with exotic woods and lavish carvings, often producing incredibly ornate and lavish models to suit the décor of the era. The last decade of the 19th century saw some of the finest craftsmanship and quality ever to be put into piano manufacturing.
After the turn-of-the-century, tastes began to change and piano design began to become a bit more streamlined. The ostentatious styles of the late 19th century gave way for more classic and simple design. The first decade of the 20th century saw a calmer, less radical movement in interior design than the previous decades, and this change was immediately seen in the evolving styles offer by the major piano manufacturers.
{See more from my shop on my Rousing Roses Facebook Page}
*Cross posted*
This is a simply beautiful and one of a kind piece.
Rescued off of a turn of the century Mendelssohn Piano — which was too forlorned to continue doing life the way it had been (you’ll see more of its transformation in the shop in a bit!)— this Upright Piano, Top Front Panel is simply stunning.
In fact, the longer this was up on my wall for photos, the more I fell in love with it. Its wood grain and tone are gorgeous! And combined with the beautiful carved detailing the overall effect is absolutely mesmerizing in person — with the daylight changing through the window it just shines its vibrant history. The camera doesn’t do it justice. I kept walking by it and compulsively announcing, “Wow that is pretty!” before I even knew I was talking out loud. (I’m an internal thinker.)
At 18.75” tall and 54.24” wide, this panel is perfect as a wall hanging. We have added two sturdy “D Rings” on the back for easy hanging. (Gorilla wall hooks (sold elsewhere) are great for holding up heavier art.) This piece is ideal for so many places— over a fireplace, a couch, a bed, in an entryway — anyplace that needs a little history and character.
Additionally, the lower lip previously used to hold sheet music, also allows it to be used as a picture ledge or a book display!
This is an antique with history— I’m sure it’s seen its fair share of family life —so there are a few blemishes. A small bit of white paint is present. And a bit of very light...something along the lines of colored pencil — which isn’t immediately noticeable but lightly seen more from an angle in bright light — is located in the center. All this can be seen in the photos if you zoom in.
But it has no odors from its long life.
And incase you are afraid we ruined this precious antique — as we were initially concerned we might be by doing this project —Our research revealed that: “A piano is actually a machine. Each of the parts have been submitted to wear throughout the life of the piano. This means that each of these parts may need specialized restoration to bring them back to their usefulness. Restoring and retuning an antique piano can easily cost $2,500 or more. Even when fully restored the piano won't play like a new piano, nor will it have the clear sound. If you want an antique piano as a showpiece in your vintage home then it is fine to get one. However, if you are looking for a piano that can be used for a serious pianist you will probably want to put your money into a new piano.”
With that in mind, along with the condition of this piano, we felt very confident we were extending and enriching the life of this special piano.
For anyone interested in the piano’s history (I love history of visual things!) here’s a little of that:
Based on serial number this piano was build between 1900–1910 by Mendelssohn Piano Company in Derby, Connecticut.
Founded in 1870 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, the Mendelssohn Piano Company was relocated to the heart of early-American piano making in New York. By 1900, Mendelssohn Piano Company had been bought by a large industry piano and organ manufacturers at the time, Sterling Piano & Organ Company of Derby, Connecticut.
Often referred to as the Golden Era of pianos, the Mendelssohn pianos and others made around the turn of the century were built with high standards. Mendelssohn was mainly known for their uprights or “Cabinet Grand” Pianos. A vintage advertisement describes Mendelssohn pianos as having a “magnificent rosewood case, 3 strings, 7 1/3 octaves full, patent cantante agraffes, beautiful carved legs and lyre, heavy serpentine and large fancy moulding, etc”.
In the 1880s and 1890s, upright piano production increased substantially and by the last decade of the 19th century, the square grand piano that had dominated the market for the past century had all but vanished. Since this was the height of the Victorian era, manufacturers were building their upright pianos with exotic woods and lavish carvings, often producing incredibly ornate and lavish models to suit the décor of the era. The last decade of the 19th century saw some of the finest craftsmanship and quality ever to be put into piano manufacturing.
After the turn-of-the-century, tastes began to change and piano design began to become a bit more streamlined. The ostentatious styles of the late 19th century gave way for more classic and simple design. The first decade of the 20th century saw a calmer, less radical movement in interior design than the previous decades, and this change was immediately seen in the evolving styles offer by the major piano manufacturers.
{See more from my shop on my Rousing Roses Facebook Page}
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