3. 1882 Art Case Steinway Piano at the Met

Model B grand piano, case by George A. Schastey & Co. (1873–97), piano by Steinway & Sons (founded 1853). New York City, 1882. Approx. H 72 x W 60 x D 84 in., open. Satinwood, purpleheart, brass, and silver mounts. Collection of Paul Manganaro, on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

On display as part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibit, “Artistic Furniture of the Gilded Age” is a Steinway grand piano by George A. Schastey, a celebrated cabinetmaker and decorator of the era whose works appear in some of the most renown mansions of the day. His only signed work is an opulently decorated 1882 art case Steinway piano, the subject of the upcoming piano series starting tomorrow, Schastey’s Steinway: Music of the Gilded Age.