PRE-CIVIL WAR BRAZILIAN ROSEWOOD SQUARE GRAND PIANO BY DUNHAM AND SONS, SERIAL NUMBER 6121, CIRCA 1858.

An extremely rare, pre-Civil War antique Brazilian Rosewood piano by John B Dunham, later the firm changed its name to J. B. Dunham and Sons New York. The serial number is 6121 (circa 1858). Inscribed on the inside in pencil is Elm Grove, Powhatan VA. Miss Marmie S. Wooldridge, Mch 9 1909, Hallsboro VA and Miss Alice D. Wooldridge, March 9, 1909. It includes an upholstered piano bench and it measures 36in x 72in x 33in. This piano is of the Empire Revival Victorian Style. It is made of Brazilian Rosewood, which is now endangered. The keys are made from ivory, which is now legally impossible to get in the United States. Both of these factors make this a very desirable piece. To make it playable, and bring it back to its original, gorgeous and historic state, this piece will require a restoration. Because these types of antique pianos went out of style in the late 1800s, there are only 5-6 companies nationwide that can restore an antique square grand piano. As luck will have it, one of these companies is 80 miles down the road from The Rug Life in Concord, Virginia. This company is Perrys Pianos, and we have discussed this restoration with Mark Perry. After reviewing the photos that we sent him, he states that to restore it so that it will play would be $9,000.00 to $10,000.00. The exterior looks pretty good, but to fully restore the exterior would be another $6,000.00 to $7,000.00. The full restoration would cost $15,000.00 to $17,000.00. But after the restoration, he said that this square grand piano would be good for 100 years and would be worth between $35,000.00 to $50,000.00. Over time, it would become more valuable. You may call Perry’s Pianos at (434) 665-5742 to discuss this restoration with Mark. Should you decide to bid on this historic piece, The Rug Life can either arrange transportation to Concord with a local piano mover or we can move it. There will be a cost for the transportation to Concord, either way.