$10,665
Federal Mahogany Inlaid Benjamin Crehore Piano, Benjamin Crehore, Milton, Massachusetts, c. 1800, old surface, (imperfections), ht. 34 3/4, wd. 84, dp. 23 in. Note: Benjamin Crehore (1754-1831) was born in Milton, Massachusetts, and was the first instrument maker in New England to build pianos. In 1791, Crehore entered a partnership with Lewis Vose to build a house and shop located in Milton. It was there that Crehore built most of his instruments including both pianos and bass viols. This piano was built in Milton c. 1800, loaned to the Boston Public Library by Steinert and Sons in 1912, and ultimately gifted to the institution in 2008. The 5 octave piano is approximately 5 ft. 3 in. wide and 1 ft. 10 1/2 in. deep. It is rectangular in size with a mahogany case with ivory and black walnut keys. The whereabouts of five of Crehore's pianos are known, including one at the Peabody Essex Museum and one at the Museum of Fine Arts.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2010-03-07
