RARE Antique 1926 Hardman WELTE-MIGNON” Reproducing System Grand Piano & Bench - $4,250 - (St. Johnsbury, VT)

You are bidding on a 1926 HARDMAN GRAND PIANO. This has the RARE and factory installed Welte Mignon reproducing system which was a factory option at the time. You will see in picture 7 that WELTE MIGNON LICENSEE is stenciled on right side of case above keyboard. This system was one of the finest “reproducing” player systems available on player grand pianos during this period. Rather than playing with a “mechanical put out” like most player pianos, this system was equipped with a complex apparatus that would allow the piano to play with real expression and nuance like a live person, virtually reproducing a live performance (hence the term “reproducing” piano). When this piano was new, it would have been one of the most expensive and well-made pianos money could buy. In the 1920’s period, a Reproducing Player Grand Piano like this would have cost more than a small house, so it was a luxury only a wealthy few could have afforded. The SN is 92628 indicating 1926 mfg. This is 66" long and so is considered a medium grand piano. Because this piano basically dominates one room on my first floor and is not played it is time to move it along for someone else to enjoy. When we had the restoration work done our restorer told us that the only other piano he had seen like this was in the Smithsonian. The Hardman piano was the official piano of the NY Met in the early 20th century and in original advertising of the period, Enrico Caruso claimed he would only sing to a Hardman piano. See pics. and ask questions. I ALWAYS COMBINE SHIPMENT ORDERS IF YOU SEE SOMETHING ELSE YOU LIKE IN MY OTHER AUCTIONS. Payment and Shipping Instructions: Payment by Pay Pal or certified bank check. Other payments must clear prior to pickup. PICKUP only at cost of buyer. No reserve!

Posted in St. Johnsbury, VT, Music Instruments
From ebay.com - 1 month ago