Astor and Harwood Square Piano

Astor and Horwood Square Piano

This square piano was made by Astor & Horwood in London around 1818. George Peter Astor ran a successful music business at 79 Cornhill, specializing in pianos, flutes, and music publishing. After his death in 1813, his wife continued the firm until 1815, when Horwood took over, and the company became Astor & Horwood, operating under this name until 1824.

The piano features a satinwood-veneered nameboard, two silk-lined fretwork panels, and elegantly curved ends on the front board which is a classic design detail of the period.

 

Play the Sound of the Astor and Horwood c.1818

https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A1208992168&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true

 

Front view of an early 19th-century square piano by Astor & Horwood, showing the curved frontboard and fretwork panels
Early 19th-century square piano by Astor & Horwood, featuring satinwood veneer and silk-lined fretwork panels