Grand Piano Cabinet Styles: Victorian

Mid-Late Victorian (c. 1860-1900)

Styles Earlier Grand pianos all tended to be fairly ornate, usually with a 'Fish-tail' style cabinet. The majority were raised on turned legs, sometimes with octagonally tapering sections. Music desks were mostly fretted (i.e. delicately hand-carved with intricate ornate displays).

An 1860s 7ft6in Broadwood Grand in an ornate satinwood case

An unusual Rococo-style 1880s Bechstein Model V grand

Until the end of the Victorian era, virtually all grand pianos were made at least 6ft 6in long. Occasionally specially-built models were produced with unusual and very beautiful cabinets, sometimes referred to as 'Exhibition' models. It was not until the end of the 19th Century that smaller - shorter - Instruments were produced.

A typical "Fish-tail" style cabinet; note the central 'corner'

Turned & octagonal legs often found on grands up to 1910

Cabinet Veneers Like uprights, Burr Walnut, Rio Rosewood and Ebonised cases were most common. Sometimes extravagent combinations of veneers were used, using Tulipwood, satinwood, and birds-eye maple, as well as the above. Candlesconces were not fitted, as the two 'candle-boards' either side of the music rest were used for upright candlesticks.

An 1890s Bluthner style 5 grand in an ebonised case

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