Bechstein ship’s piano

Ship’s piano made by Bechstein in Berlin, Germany and one of only three known in the world still extant. The C. Bechstein piano factory was founded on 1 October 1853 by Carl Bechstein in Berlin, Germany. The only other two known examples are one in the Bechstein Shop in Berlin and one in the Royal Music Museum in Brussels, Belgium.

There were two examples sent to Melbourne in 1892 according to the Bill of Landings, but the other one has disappeared and is believed to have been broken up and lost.

The piano came from a ship traversing the Australian coast and has recently been completely rebuilt. After regulation and turning the piano is now in excellent condition and fully playable.

On loan from the Sydney Heritage Fleet Collection.