Steinway&Sons Model V 1924

A rare Art Déco Steinway from Hamburg's golden era.

This is a 1924 Steinway & Sons Model V (Vertegrand) upright piano, manufactured at Steinway's prestigious Hamburg factory. Serial number 227647 confirms a 1924 production date, placing it firmly within the most sought-after period of Steinway craftsmanship — an era when the founding family still oversaw production and materials were sourced to the highest standards.

What sets this instrument apart from the thousands of surviving vintage Steinway uprights is its extraordinary Art Déco cabinet. Finished in polished mahogany and walnut, the front panel features an original openwork lattice design (treliça vazada) backed by silk — a decorative feature found only on luxury-grade special-order instruments of the period. This is not a standard black upright. It is a rare example of 1920s decorative art built around a world-class musical instrument.

Provenance:

This piano was a treasured family instrument, previously kept in Brazil before being professionally shipped to its current home in Tavira, Portugal. It is now being offered for sale by the family.

Included:

The piano comes with its original matching bench, crafted from the same mahogany/walnut as the cabinet. Both pieces have aged together, sharing the same patina and wood tone — a complete Art Déco set ready to be placed as-is.

Sound and playability:

The piano has undergone a recent technical assessment and performs remarkably well for its 100 years. The tone is characteristically European Steinway — warm, rich, and balanced, with deep bass and crystalline treble clarity. It avoids the harsh metallic brightness found in many modern instruments, offering instead the "singing" quality that Hamburg Steinways of this period are celebrated for.

A video demonstration of the piano's sound is available here:

Mechanical condition:

The hammers and felts are in excellent condition, providing precise dynamic response and a sensitive touch. The soundboard is intact and well-preserved. The pinblock (tuning block) maintains correct pressure on the tuning pins, resulting in strong tuning stability — a critical indicator of structural health in a century-old instrument. The Cupola Self-Compression cast iron frame is in excellent condition.

The keytops were replaced with modern material when the piano was shipped from Brazil to Portugal (its previous home), due to ivory export regulations. All other components — including the Renner action, hammers, felts, soundboard, pinblock, and cabinet — are original. This means there are zero CITES or ivory-related restrictions on this sale, and the piano can be shipped freely within and outside the EU.

Technical specifications:

•Brand: Steinway & Sons (Hamburg).

•Model: V (Vertegrand) — 125 cm / 49.2" tall.

•Year: 1924.

•Serial number: 227647.

•Cabinet: Polished mahogany/walnut with Art Déco openwork front panel and silk backing.

•Frame: Cupola Self-Compression cast iron.

•Keys: Modern keytops (replaced for export from Brazil; non-ivory).

•Pedals: Original

Action: Renner (original Hamburg specification).

Who is this piano for?

This instrument appeals equally to serious pianists seeking a characterful European Steinway with genuine vintage tone, and to collectors and interior designers looking for an authentic Art Déco statement piece that also happens to be a fully playable concert-quality instrument.

It is priced well below comparable restored 1920s Steinway uprights (which typically sell for €14,000–€25,000 in the European market) because it is being sold in its current unrestored — but excellent — original condition. A buyer who invests in targeted reconditioning (hammer reshaping, regulation, cosmetic touch-ups) could realise significantly higher value.

Shipping and delivery:

The listing is set to Local Pickup, but professional shipping can absolutely be arranged. Due to the size and value of this instrument (approx. 250–280 kg), transport is coordinated on a case-by-case basis with specialist piano movers. I can help organise professional door-to-door delivery anywhere in the EU — typical costs range from €500–€800 within Iberia to €1,200–€1,500 for Central and Northern Europe via dedicated climate-aware van service. Worldwide shipping can also be arranged. Message me for a personalised quote.

Location and viewing:

The piano is located in Tavira, Algarve, Portugal and is available for in-person testing by appointment. Serious inquiries welcome — please message with any questions.