Steinway & Sons, New York

Serial number 145860, manufacture completed on 21 November 1910, case in original Steinway “Sheraton style” with all appropriate design elements, ebonized nitrocellulose lacquer finish, original etched and panelled legs, ivory keys, small crack on deskframe, small partial crack on underside of soundboard, some surface rust on strings, some hammers and hammer shanks replaced in 1999

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Toscanini’s own Steinway with an impeccable provenance and links to Vladimir Horowitz.

The Steinway and Sons archive records that this instrument was completed in New York on 21 November 1910 and shipped to Signor Arturo Toscanini of Milan, Italy on the steamer Cincinnati Ohio on 14 February 1911. It was returned to the New York factory to be upgraded with ‘accelerated action and new underlever assembly’ together with refinishing of the lacquer case and plate bronze. This work was completed on 9 March 1948.

Apparently Arturo Toscanini also lent this instrument to Vladimir Horowitz, his son-in-law, who is known to have played it.

This instrument was examined in August 2012 by Steinway and Sons. The general condition was noted as ‘playable, good regulation, good overall tone with fairly even voicing’. A copy of Steinway’s piano condition assessment is available on request from Sotheby’s.

Also included with this instrument is an autograph note in red ink signed (“Gratefully Arturo Toscanini”) comprising a greeting or notes for a short speech on the centenary of Steinway and Sons in 1953. The writer hails Theodore E. Steinway and members of the Steinway family as “supporters of the cause of music” and states that “…Steinway Pianos are recognized the world over [as] the best. I ever called them the Stradivarius of pianos myself and all artists in the world are greatly indebted to the House of Steinway…”, (2 pages, 4to, headed “AT” monogram printed stationery, traces of former mount, minor tear)

Please note that this instrument will not be exhibited at Sotheby's London or New York.It will be on view at Steinway Hall, 109 West 57th Street, New York, 12-28 November. Please contact Leah Delany at Sotheby's, New York (leah.delany@sothebys.com or 0012126067385), for viewing details.

Please also note that due to its location in New York, the lot will be subject to New York sales tax. Any taxes due upon import into any other country, including the UK, are the responsibility of the buyer. Export out of America will require a US CITES licence due to the ivory content, which will take between 6-8 months to be granted.  An import CITES licence will also be required in the destination country.  Please refer to the department for further information.

Sotheby’s are grateful to Ron Losby, Robert C. Berger and the staff of Steinway & Sons for their assistance.