Items Similar to Very Fine Classical Rosewood and Bronze Pianoforte, Sack Provenance

Very Fine Gilt Bronze, Cloisonné Enamel and Porcelain Holy Water Stoup

American Hepplewhite Virginian Secretary Chest with Civil War Provenance

Important Confederate Field Map of Richmond VA 1864 with Provenance

Large, very fine, and unique Indian gilt-metal and silver sporting shield

A Very Fine Set of Persian Chiselled Armour

Showstopper 18K Yellow Gold, Fine Diamond and Precious Gem Set Guitar Strap

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 21

Very Fine Classical Rosewood and Bronze Pianoforte, Sack Provenance

About the Item

Available for Curation; Museum quality, Fine classical square grand piano forte by Alpheus Babcock (1785-1842) for G. D. MacKay, Boston", circa 1825. A most highly figured mahogany and rosewood case with ebonizing, brass inlay and moldings, gilt mounts and ormolu, hardware. This superb work of mastery has been documented photographed and covered in multiple antique, collector, and academic magazines, books and publications. Of note: no marriages or alterations, made instrument, “retains it original restored playing mechanism from the 1800s ”, 34 x 68 x 24 in. Alpheus was a most esteemed and preeminent piano maker of his time. His instruments where of the most sophisticated and splendid cases made in the period of the most rare and precious metals and exotic woods, highly figured inlays, ormolu, and most intricate and refined immaculate carvings. Alpheus was most famous for his invention of a cast iron frame for the square piano, a design he patented in 1825. “The year of this works creation.” The cast iron frame would become the standard for pianos of all types and sizes. Alpheus established his first company in 1809 along with his brother Lewis, who died in 1814. Included in those business partnerships were members of the Mackay family, including George (G. D.) Mackay whose name appears on Babcock pianos beginning in 1822 until his death in 1824. The identical Twin of this work was curated to furnish the Amory-Ticknor House opposite the Massachusetts State House for General Lafayette’s visit to Boston in 1824. “Historic New England (2005.23.1) piano documented as part of the furnishings prepared in 1824 for Lafayette's visit to Boston (Mussey and Pearce, Rather Elegant than Showy, The Classical Furniture of Isaac Vowes pages 192-193.” The house built by Thomas Amory in 1804 and rented by the city of Boston for use as Lafayette’s lodgings was noted in one newspaper as the “most suitable abode which could be selected for the Guest of the nation.” It was strategically chosen for its location opposite the State House and Boston Common, which could accommodate the throngs of people who attended the numerous public events, parades, and addresses of the famous Revolutionary War hero. The furnishings supplied for seven rooms in the four-story brick house where among the finest ever assembled in Boston which lodged the Marquis de Lafayette during the Boston stay of his grand tour of the United States; commemorating the start of the American revolution. Of note among the surviving invoices for the Marquis de Lafayette furnishings were one of Mr. John Mackay noting the loan of a Alpheus Babcock Piano Forte, of American manufacture made in Boston, that will do credit to the manufacturers of our Country.” The contents of the quarters assembled for the Marquis De Lafayette’s visit were auctioned off shortly after his departure. Under the notice of “SPLENDID FURNITURE,” in The Evening Gazette (Boston, Mass.), Sept. 4, 1824. The week after Lafayette’s visit, the advertisement exclaimed : “The above Furniture is all of the most superior workmanship and materials, and presents the richest assortment that has ever been offered at public Sale in this city.” American Antiquarian Society (catalog # 2399). The sister of this works creation was once in the collection of The White House purchased by the 16th President of the United States, John Quincy Adams. President Adams purchased the new Babcock creation 3 months after it was patented during the first year of his administration, (1825-1829) The curation of the Babcock American mahogany and Rosewood Square grand piano was made in response to the criticism of the previous Monroe administration being “Too French!” in mind, taste and decor. The younger and more modern Adams Presidency seeking to emphasize the richness of American artistry and culture bought the cast iron frame Mahogany and rosewood square grand for The White House and was played by himself & First Lady Louisa Catherine. It survives today as does this it’s sister and is now housed at the Smithsonian institute. *Surviving examples of this work: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (1971.1130): Winterthur (1989.0064): Historic New England (2005.23.1): The Metropolitan Museum of Art (2001.364A,B): The Smithsonian (1982.0434.01). *Lineage: Illustrated in American Antiques from Israel Sack Collection, Volume VII, pp. 1810-1811, P5029. Sack notes that the piano is also illustrated in Old Time New England Bulletin, 1978, "Pianoforte Manufacturing in 19th century Boston", Nancy A. Smith, figure 4. Sack notes that the original instrumentation is intact. 193). *Clack Pearce, Advisor and Consultant to Collectors and Institutions *Provenance: Israel Sack; Property from an Important Boston Collection. *The Collection of JR Dickson, New Orleans, Louisiana Condition Report The works are original and have been restored (not tested for functionality), finely crafted and in excellent condition overall, some minor sun fading and color variation, restorations and/or re-gilding to some mounts, very minor lifting at some brass inlay, other scattered minor veneer flaws, some small banding losses, minor lifting at ivory keys.

Dimensions:

Height: 34 in (86.36 cm)Width: 68 in (172.72 cm)Depth: 24 in (60.96 cm)

Style:

American Classical (In the Style Of)

Materials and Techniques:

Brass,Mahogany,Rosewood

Place of Origin:

United States

Period:

1820-1829

Date of Manufacture:

1825c

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Historic item; animal/plant material that may be restricted under federal, state or local law. Buyers should check all applicable government restrictions prior to placing a bid. The buyer is solely responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses.

Seller Location:

Dallas, TX

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU8797235171052

View Invoice