P & G Investments of Columbia, MO USA

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Brokers of Investment Grade Old, Antique Vintage Restored/Rebuilt Steinway Pianos & Other Pianos

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Vintage Instrument Listing Service

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1860-64 Mathushek (New Haven, CT, USA)

Full case view, Mathushek Cocked Hat. So what is a "cocked hat" piano?...a 4 legged piano that has a square grand case which has been widened on the right side....resembling a "cocked hat from the topside view"...

Diagram represents dimensions of the case as one is looking at the instrument from above. The keys are at the 59" dimension, the right side of the case is at the 48" dimension, and the left side of the case is at the 25" dimension....resembling "cocked chef's or sailor's hat"...thus the nickname..."Cocked Hat".

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The above photographs from above the case and under the caselide show the "cocked hat"
shape of the instrument as noted in the sketch above. The instrument is overstrung, and has a
larger soundboard area than the typical square grand of the period.The overall result should be
a much larger overall sound or tone from the instrument as compared to what one would
typically find in the square grand of various nameplates. 

They are extremely rare in decent, original, non-rebuilt condition or as full restorations, mainly because they were extremely limited production pianos. There is only one example of a cocked hat in Pierce Piano Atlas #10, page 199, of a c.1850 Mathushek Cocked Hat. Most of the American instruments from the 1850-1870 era were either square grands or full grand case instruments, as the upright did not become popular in the U.S. until c.1880-1900 era. Actual production is known to be rather limited by the manufacturers who made them, usually limited to under 10 or so instruments a year. Mathushek is a name that I associate with being perhaps one of the larger cocked hat makers when I consider the number of phone calls over the years about them... the cocked hat inquiry is generally always a Mathushek. These are the first actual photos of a cocked hat example I have seen, and is the first cocked hat listing at P&G.

Photo Close ups

Fallboard and pristine decal, unusual 88 note keyboard

Leg detail

Leg Detail

Pedal Lyre

Description of the Instrument

This original instrument is highly playable and a pristine original. Seller will make all suggested technician's repairs. The instrument has original pinblock, action, hammers, strings, and soundboard, as well as the original case finish as far as the owner knows. The technician indicates that the hammers and dampers are still soft and need minor shaping and voicing. Other repairs suggested include regulating the action, doping the pinblock, minor replacement of broken strings upon three successive tunings, and repair of 2 dampers. Pinblock and pins are apparently original, however, the technician felt that the pinblock and tuning pins would hold if the pinblock were doped. Original ivories are intact and in excellent condition. The estimated cost of the repairs will approximate $825 to $1,000. The seller intends on having the suggested work done in June 2000 for the new buyer, as it was suggested that the work could most likely be done less expensively in the seller's hometown. No unusual cracking was noted or commented on in the soundboard by the technician which adversely affected the tone of the instrument.

Doping the pin block? -- a combination of clamping and gluing the pin block with a specially formulated pin block/repair glue while inside the piano.

Seller's Data

My seller is in the initial stages of planning a down sizing, and has decided to find the instrument a replacement home first. Now, Ain't she smart?

The instrument was acquired from the Rev. Alfred King Boutwell Family in 1971 and has now been "in the family" for the past 29 years. The seller is very conversant on the history of the Mathushek/Mathusheck company and their work in both New York and New Haven, CT, with New Haven as the manufacture origin of this pre-1865 instrument.

The seller provided the information that the piano was in Rev. Boutwell's wife's family for several generations, with the wife's family originating in the New England area. Family lore has it that the instrument was one of three similar cocked hat instruments made by the Mathushek company, with one of the three being shipped to California. The seller prefers the buyer to pay their own shipping, and will accept a bank draft, wire transfer, or cashier's check. The seller is open to all reasonable offers.... but No, Folks... $5,000 will not buy it. Get Real!

The seller is going to make the necessary repairs. No, it is not a full restoration, or even a partial restoration. This is pristine original period 1860s vintage at its best... and a rare, unusual, decorative, and playable 88 note instrument.

The case does not need refinishing at this time, but may need minor spit and shine by a professional if you want a museum piece in your music room or living room. To our knowledge, this is the original factory finish on the instrument. Yes... they are out there!

Remember... Ole Bear is used to fully restored vintage 19th Century pianofortes and modern Bösey Imperials, Yammy Concert Grands, Steinway D's, and SD10 Baldwins. 

Take your purchase price and add $1,500+- for shipping and insurance + tuning after delivery. In 5, 10, 15, or 20 years one may consider a full or partial restoration to preserve the genre of this unusual, rare instrument. One can expect minor repairs and rebuilding until the major restoration.... Once the pin block finally gives way to age... that is probably the time to anticipate rebuilding the instrument.

My seller is open to serious reasonable offers... but, no.... $5,000 will buy you a square grand... but not my cocked hat. Let's get real! Pricing is Ole Bear's. This listing is proof that Ole Bear does not rip off his seller's instruments by purchasing them "before the market opens".