Rare Steinway & Sons Aeolian Duo-Art Mahogany Reproducing 6' 6" Grand Piano, with (515) Player Rolls

New York, circa 1924, serial number 229569, figured mahogany veneered case, signed "Steinway & Sons" to the fall board interior and cast iron plate, both manual and pnuematic player operation, featuring brass control knobs for NORMAL/ SOFT/DANCE volume ranges, THEME GRADUATION with BASS/ TREBLE, ACCOMPANIMENT, TEMPO, REROLL/PAY, MOTOR, with three pairs straight tapering legs raised on a brass bracket shoe with casters, with three pedal box and artist bench. This lot includes an impressive collection of (515) various compatible player rolls, a complete catalogue of the Duo-Art Piano rolls, diagram of the expression control, and a service manual.

40 x 60 x 78 in.; bench 20 x 45 3/4 x 14 1/4 in.

Private Collection, Raleigh, North Carolina

Duo-Art was one of the leading reproducing piano technologies of the early 20th century introduced by Aeolian Company. Steinway was among several companies that contracted Aeolian around 1914 under an exclusive agreement. In 1925, its peak year, Aeolian produced more than 190,000 instruments.

The piano was designed with nuanced controls to give the effect and feeling of a live concert performance to the listener, while also functioning as a manual grand piano. Each music roll contains holes that control the pneumatic system, which in turn control the piano's keys and pedals for this performance. Working models such as this are extremely rare to find.

This piano has been in loving care of the owner for many years; player and manual operating well with good sound at the time of evaluation; all rolls not tested; case lid with some sun-fading; case with some light surface scratches and marks, nicks, and a few water spots; bench with some minor areas of veneer buckling. Professional condition report is available upon request.
The buyer will need to arrange professional removal service at the buyer's cost. Leland Little staff are not able to assist in the moving and or loading of this lot.