Sohmer & Co. New York Walnut Console Upright Piano & Bench, c. 1960–65

An upright console piano by Sohmer & Co., New York, in walnut veneer over a softwood case with a satin matte finish. The cabinet carries Mid-Century Modern lines — clean fascia, tapered legs finished with brass sabots and casters — with the maker's name rendered in gilt script above the keybed and repeated on the cast iron plate and interior action rail. Eighty-eight keys (52 white, 36 black) and three brass pedals. A matching walnut bench in non-storage style accompanies the instrument.

The interior label documents a quarter-sawn rock maple wrest-plank, resorcinol bonded and 100% waterproof — a construction upgrade Sohmer advertised prominently in this period and a meaningful indicator of tuning-pin stability over the long term. Founded in New York in 1872 and operating through approximately 1982, Sohmer held a consistent mid-century reputation for quality domestic uprights. The back of the case features the characteristic diagonal spruce bracing of Sohmer uprights from this era. All 88 keys are playable, making this a working instrument rather than a decorative shell.

CONDITION

Good with age-appropriate wear throughout. The cabinet shows scattered small scratches and chips, finish wear and loss at contact points, and a ring stain on the top surface; a moisture haze mark is present on one side panel. All 52 white and 36 black keys are playable and the soundboard is in good condition.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 46" H × 59" W × 24" D
• Bench Seat Height: 24"
• Maker: Sohmer & Co., New York
• Model: 45SK
• Serial: 222250
• Production date: c. 1960–1965
• 88 keys (52 white, 36 black); three brass pedals
• Wrest-plank: Quarter-sawn rock maple, resorcinol bonded, 100% waterproof
• Case: Walnut veneer over softwood; satin matte finish
• Hardware: Brass sabots and casters
• Includes matching non-storage walnut bench
• US Nickel (0.835" Dia.) Shown for Scale — Not Included