I've won an 1872 Steinway upright in a contest! Interestingly enough, it's a piano that was previously mentioned in this topic here on PW. And now, fate is bringing it to me! Huzzah!

It's still in the shipping process, but I thought I'd share the the few photos I have and see if anyone has anything to say about it. I'll definitely post more once I can actually touch it.

I've never seen a piano this old... It looks like there's no plate! The case appears to have seen some changes, particularly the legs and potentially the front panel above the keyboard, no? I can only assume the action is not original. FWIW, there's a video of someone giving the keys a good workout.

I'm hesitant to post anything until I see the action, but I'm just so gosh-darn excited. Any technicians out there know about the soundboard/plate construction in these?

Looks like those attachments didn't work, but you can also view them here on Flickr.

I also added the video clip I pulled the screenshots from.

Video: http://www.flickr.com/photos/darrelf/6637398237/

The serial number is 27924 and has 105 printed underneath it.

Don't worry, it has a plate all right, it is a 3/4 plate as one would expect of a piano of this vintage, not a full plate. The case has been modernized and there are some upgrades inside, although the basic action most likely will be original. It sure looks like a piano from which you can derive a lot of enjoyment!

Congratulations! I think this is the first case alteration I've seen that I actually like. Enjoy!

Thanks for the reassurance! I found some photos on Flickr that shows the innards of a similar/same model, so some of my curiosity has been satisfied. The rest will just have to wait until I can touch it.

Just got this note back from Steinway Customer Service: "Steinway Serial No. 27924 corresponds in our records to a New York Early Small Upright Style 2 Rosewood, 7 octaves (85 notes), completed and delivered to a customer in New York City on September 19, 1873."

Don't know about the piano itself, but it sure looks like a fine piece, and it certainly seems "playable". Oh, and congratulations!!

Thank you! It's finally getting delivered tomorrow, so I'll finally have all my curiosities satisfied. Very exciting times!

How exciting!! Good luck, and have fun!