Upright piano
Erard
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
Unknown
Materials
Wood, metal, textile, ivory, leather.
Measurements
1290 x 710 mm; 1495 mm (Length)
Order this imageCollection
Cliveden Estate, Buckinghamshire
NT 765945
Summary
Obliquely strung upright piano by Erard (London) c.1855. Inscriptions: inside keyboard cover Erard . Wrestplank stamped: ERARDS PATENT and 4202 (number repeated on action standards etc.) Stamped on keylever a4 W.J.J ; on treble end of nut …NG (surviving letters of name of one of the craftsmen involved) Compass CC – a4. Two pedals: left, Jeu celeste; right, dampers. Erard’s patent upright action with under dampers. Partial iron frame. Keyboard with ivory naturals and ebony sharps. ‘Gothic’ casework in carved walnut and burr walnut veneer. The whole instrument wider than the keyboard ‘console’ which is partially recessed within moulded and carved sides reminiscent of gothic pew or stall ends. The keyboard supported on substantial brackets with cusped Gothic profiles and pierced spandrels. Above and below the keyboard are panels of gothic tracery in gilded fret with fabric backing. The case surmounted by galleries of more gilt brass fret of fleurs-de-lys, and in the centre a wooden shield crowned by a gilt brass coronet. Cast gilt brass pedals also formed of gothic tracery. At each end of the keyboard sockets for missing candle-holders.
Makers and roles
Erard, maker