Steinway grand piano
Loading image
Lot 91SKU 17875Jun26aPast auction result

Steinway B

A 6ft 11in (211cm) 85-note Model B grand piano in a rosewood case on turned ‘elephant’ legs.

Sold for £2,100

Hammer price at a previous Piano Auctions Ltd sale.

Specifications
SKU
17875Jun26a
Maker
Steinway
Model
B
Year
1887
Type
Grand
Status
Sold at a previous auction
Important information

Ivory: It is now illegal to sell a piano with an ivory keyboard dating post 1975 without an Ivory Registration Number. Pianos with ivory keyboards dating pre 1975 will have been registered with APHA on the government website. All pianos dating from 1947 to 1975 with ivory keys will have an Article 10 certificate in place.

Description

The case is in acceptable condition but there is obvious fade. This is most noticeable on the top lid. There are also small areas of damage, the odd ding and dent but these do not detract from the overall look.
The frame is acceptable but there is plenty of gilding loss and discolouration, however, all is structurally sound. The soundboard, likewise, is acceptable but there is dirt and discolouration and perhaps 1 or 2 splits beginning to form – these present no problem at the moment. The bridges are good, although there is a little corrosion to the guide pins and plenty of dirt. The stringing is acceptable but again plenty of discolouration and corrosion, particularly noticeable on the treble strings. The pins too, are mildly corroded with plenty of dirt around the base of the pins themselves. Interestingly, everything sounds good.
The action is in reasonable condition and functions nicely, however, as this is an instrument which has not enjoyed restoration in the very recent past, the condition of the action rails themselves, will need to be ascertained.
The keyboard is in, once again, acceptable condition but there is yellowing to the ivory in the middle section.
A fine piano that can be left as is and cleaned and put into a darkened corner or restored. If the latter option tickles your fancy, then this endeavour will be richly rewarded.

This report is based on a cursory examination and is our opinion only. It does not constitute a guarantee and potential buyers should satisfy themselves about the lot before bidding.

Buyer’s Premium: 24% plus VAT.

Delivery: Fill our out our form below to recieve your transport quote.

This piano is sold by Piano Auctions Ltd. For more information: info@pianoauctions.co.uk

Ask about this lot

Get a delivery quote.

Tell us a bit about the lot and your address. We will share your enquiry with our preferred carriers so they can come back with a quote.

Step 1 of 3

Your details

Where shall we send it?

Your details

Specialist piano cover

Insure this piano from the moment you collect.

Pianos are valuable, fragile, and unique. We partner with specialist insurance brokers to arrange dedicated policies for uprights and grands — covering accidental damage, transit, fire and theft, from the day you collect through to recital halls and tour dates.

Trusted insurance partners

  • Lark Insurance

    Specialist piano cover

  • Allianz

    Worldwide policies

  • Hiscox

    Fine art and instruments

Buy a piano FAQs.

  • Yes. Our online auction catalogue is published before each sale and includes detailed descriptions, photographs, auction estimates, and condition reports for every piano entered into the auction.

  • An auction estimate is the price range we believe a piano is likely to achieve based on recent auction results, market demand, age, condition, brand, and model.

  • Yes. Every piano is inspected by our experienced team before the auction takes place. Information gathered during the inspection is included in the condition report of each lot.

  • Yes. We strongly encourage all buyers to attend the viewing period and inspect the pianos before placing bids. This takes place on the Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday prior to the auction.

  • Viewing appointments can be booked online, by telephone, or by contacting our office directly. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during busy viewing days.

  • Yes. Our experienced piano specialists are available throughout the viewing period to answer questions regarding condition, tone, age, restoration history, and suitability.

  • Yes. Our team will be happy to guide first-time buyers through the auction process, including registration, bidding, payment, and delivery arrangements.

  • As auction purchases, pianos are generally sold as seen. Buyers should inspect the instrument during the viewing period and review the catalogue information before bidding.

  • You can bid in person, online, by telephone, or by leaving an absentee bid for the auctioneer to execute on your behalf.

  • Registration is quick and straightforward. Simply create an account with Easyliveauction then register for the auction itself. To bid in person, via telephone or with an absentee bid, we will send you a registration form via Signable to complete before the auction begins.

  • Pianos are sold in lot number order, beginning with the lowest lot number and progressing sequentially throughout the auction.

  • Both are possible. Some pianos sell below estimate, while particularly desirable instruments may exceed their published auction estimate due to competitive bidding. Remember all estimates are based on what similar pianos have sold for.

  • A buyer's premium is added to the hammer price of each successful bid. Our premium is 24% plus VAT (28.8%).

  • Payment is required within 2 days following the auction and can be made by bank transfer. Your piano will then be released to your chosen carrier or transport company.

  • No. We work with three specialist piano transport companies and can arrange delivery throughout the UK and internationally who would be more than happy to provide you with a quote.

  • Simply fill out our delivery form online with your details and the lot number of the piano you are interested in, and you will receive a delivery quotation from one of our approved piano transport partners.