Magnificent 1885 steinway piano model A restored in kingwood & 24K gold guilt bronze metalwork in Orlando, Florida For Sale

This Steinway & Sons Model A Baby Grand Piano #xxxx8 was built in Hamburg in xxxx and shipped to Steinway & Sons London the same year. In xxxx Queen Victoria of England issued a Royal Warrant to Steinway recognizing them as a provider of pianos to British Royalty. While we are not certain, there's a possibility that this was the piano that was provided to the Queen as the timing and location are right. Unfortunately there is a large gap in the provenance of the piano as all Steinway has on file is what is stated in the first sentence. The next thing we know about it is that it wound up in an auction house in Utica, NY The piano was originally ebony but in xxxx it was shipped to Italy by an auction house in Utica, NY where it was customized by Italian Cabinet makers C.G. Capelletti.
Capelletti plated the piano with King Wood, a wood that is used almost exclusively for wood inlays on fine furniture. It was the most expensive wood that was used for furniture making in the 17th century and it was called Prince's wood then. The wood has a multi color effect and is very rare as it is available only from a small area of Brazil. King Wood is not easy to work with and it took a great amount of skill to produce the final effect. The piano was re-done in the historical tradition of great furniture artisans.
The piano mechanics were completely overhauled and 24K gold gilt brass ornamentation was added. Click Here to see an extensive slideshow of photographs of the piano.
The piano measures 81" x 66" x 40" and it has a rich tonal sound with a fairly light to moderate action. The legs are not retractable so the piano must be moved in one piece. The bench is included. If you are looking for a special rare piano that shows outstanding taste combined with musical aesthetics then this is it.
The piano is located in Hollywood, FL (North Miami) and may be inspected via appointment.
see video on link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ugGrFT3gSE
below is information from steinway of london, and there are 2 pics of their ledger book
In our records Steinway xxxx8 is listed as an Ebonised style 1 (model A) made in Hamburg and shipped to Steinway Hall, London in February xxxx. It is listed as being hired to Lady Arthur Hill in March xxxx. Her husband Lord Arthur Hill was a politician and served as Comptroller of the Household. This was a ceremonial role in the Royal Household but he was not a member of the Royal Family.
A later entry records that the piano was repaired in Hamburg in June xxxx for Revd. J L Bennett of Winchester. I have attached two photographs of the entry in our books.
I assume that the piano is now in the US and so David Kirkland will be able to help with information regarding soundboard replacement.
I hope this information is helpful.
Yours sincerely
David Widdicombe
Technical Services Manager
Steinway & Sons, London
Tel: 020 xxxx xxxx
Fax: 020 xxxx xxxx
Mob: xxxx9 xxxx87
220,000 $$