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Square pianoforte

Square piano by Rolfe of London, circa 1815. The six turned legs of this instrument suggest a manufacturing date after 1805. The instrument is a high-quality piece of furniture, probably Rolfe's 'top of the range', given the complex inlay banding on the external casework, the three underlying drawers and the two internal music rests. One rest is for the keyboard player's music, the other rest, on the right side, is for use by another musician or singer. This unusual feature is to be found on a number of Rolfe squares. The piano retains its original highly-attractive internal decorated 'shield', lying above the stringing and attached to the music rests. On many squares of this date, this particular item is often sadly missing.

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  • Repository:National Trust for Scotland, Castle Fraser