Description
Steinway & Sons Model S
with serial number 287928 is a “Golden Era” instrument built in 1937 in New York. This 5-foot-1-inch (155 cm) “baby grand” was designed to bring the signature Steinway sound into smaller spaces, often described as a “City Grand”.
Key Features of a 1937 Steinway Model S
- Production Era: 1937 was shortly after the introduction of the Model S in 1935–1936, a time when these instruments helped the company survive the Great Depression.
- Construction: This era of Steinways is renowned for high-quality craftsmanship, featuring a one-piece continuous bent rim (typically 10-12 layers of hard rock maple) and a solid Sitka spruce soundboard.
- Dimensions: 5′ 1″ long and 57¾” wide (147 cm).
- Sound Profile: The Model S is known for having a surprising amount of resonance and volume despite its small size, often featuring a “bell-like” high end
Condition and Value Factors
The value of a 1937 Model S is highly dependent on its condition and whether it has been restored:
- Restored: A fully restored 1937 Model S can be valued highly, with some examples in excellent condition listed over $50,000 depending on the extent of the restoration.
- Original Condition: the piano has its original soundboard, pinblock, and action, increasing its rarity and value
- Condition at the time of sale: presented in Original condition / with Professional Restoration options:
- Full belly restoration package with new Pinblock, original soundboard restored or replaced – (your choice), new strings and tuning pins, rebronzing and lettering of the cast iron plate and mechanical overhaul with original parts (10 year warranty on the work) additional cost $24,500 and 2-4 month project timeline
For a Steinway from 1937, an ivory plaque on the fallboard (the lid covering the keys) is a rare and distinctive feature typically associated with “Art Case” pianos or high-end commemorative editions.
Significance and Purpose
- Art Case Identification: While standard Steinway fallboards used gold leaf decals or brass inlays for the logo, an engraved ivory plaque often indicates a custom-designed “Art Case” instrument.
- Historical Branding: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, some specialized Steinway models, such as “Early American” consoles, used factory-applied nameplates instead of standard decals.
- Status Symbol: In the era your piano was built (1937), ivory was considered a premium material and a status symbol for luxury instruments.
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