The Broadwood Cabinet Upright Piano circa 1814 has no metal harp or structural support and is quite rare as it has a very ornate case with inlaid marquetry in rosewood and satinwood and ornate brass inlays throughout. The piano is all original and even though awaiting restoration is quite a sight to behold. The idea for an upright started in the late 1700's when experiments commenced to turn large eight-foot fortepianos upright in order to save space in smaller dwellings. These were called upright grands. The designs had limitations and the cabinet upright evolved which was still large at six feet, and very well received as they were easier to service than the monstrous upright grands, as well as very pleasing to the eye because of their exotic cases. The one I own is a rarity - in all original condition with few missing parts and heavily decorated with fancy veneers, moldings and brass overlays and inlays. Again we have not arrived chronologically at a piano with any metal reinforcement in it.

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