Serial number: 16051. There are two listings for Schiedmayer in the Pierce Piano Atlas, one being J and P Schiedmayer and the other Schiedmayer & Sohne, both in Stuttgart, Germany. The serial number shows a build year of 1882 or approximately 1885 respectively. Schiedmayer has long been one of our favourite makes of piano. They are renowned for being a “Best Quality” piano, easily comparable to any of the top German makes, and in terms of action style, touch and tone are most closely compared to Steinway.
We asked the person who sold us the piano, who owned the instrument for over 60 years, to gather as much information as possible so that we keep the provenance intact. It was apparently purchased by her father at an auction at St. John’s School in Johannesburg in the 1960’s. It was returned to its original homeland of Germany for a few years in the more recent past. Fortunately, the piano will stay in South Africa, where it’s history after purchase when new was created.
One can only marvel at this magnificent piece and be awed by the quality and workmanship. This must have begun its life somewhere pretty special. The casing is Rosewood, inlaid throughout with exotic woods. Even the pedal lyre has a motif inlaid. Built by true crafts-people whose pride in their work is still notable, we feel we’ve done justice to them and the piano by restoring it in a completely sympathetic manner. What an amazing thing! If only we knew more about its early history.
This is where a piano exceeds its purpose as an instrument, becoming art, a channel of inspiration and joy, no- doubt frustration at times for aspiring pianists, something fit for a museum and as an heirloom… Even though it needed restoration in its purchased condition, one could play it properly and hear its fantastic tone. Treasure still exists! This is a remarkable find: of Museum quality! It’s been a privilege to temporarily own, restore and sell this magnificent Schiedmayer grand piano.
The piano is around 195 cm in length, making it a lovely sized grand for a larger home.
The DE 940 Schiedmayer Grand Pianoforte and stool was sold in October 2020.
The photographs below show the piano when it was being restored.
