1922 Hardman Concert Grand Piano

Commissioned by Netta Paullyn Garner – African American Pianist & Author

Crafted during the Golden Age of American piano making, this extraordinary 9-foot concert grand was custom-commissioned in 1922 by Netta Paullyn Garner — a pioneering African American pianist, author, and educator. At a time when racial and gender barriers were deeply entrenched, Garner’s musical achievements helped shape Los Angeles’ classical music culture. Her husband, George Garner, was the first Black soloist to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

This piano is one of two matching Hardman concert grands she commissioned — and is the one that remained in her personal residence. Fully restored in 1982 by master rebuilder Dennis Nicholson, and maintained meticulously since, this instrument blends historical importance with performance-grade sound and touch.

I. Piano Identification
• Manufacturer: Hardman, Peck & Company
• Model: 9-Foot Concert Grand
• Serial Number: 93300
• Year of Manufacture: 1922
• Finish: Satin Walnut
• Current Owner: Margaret Hilton
• Location: Frisco, TX

II. Ownership History
**Original Owner (1922–1982): Netta Paullyn Garner**
- Acclaimed African American concert pianist, teacher, and author based in Los Angeles
- Commissioned two identical 9’ Hardman concert grands — one for home use (this piano), one for travel
- Her work is preserved in UCLA’s Walter L. Gordon Jr. Collection, highlighting her cultural contributions

**Second Owner (1982–Present): Margaret Hilton**
- Acquired from a secondhand store in Los Angeles
- Recognized the piano’s unique quality and commissioned a complete professional restoration.

III. Restoration Details
In 1982, the piano underwent a comprehensive, concert-level professional restoration by Dennis Nicholson, RPT of Travis-Nicholson Piano Tuning & Rebuilding, a highly respected technician and instructor in Southern California.
• Action Rebuild: New hammers, shanks, flanges, and whippens; regulation and voicing for all 88 keys
• Restringing: New bass and treble strings (imported from Germany), new tuning pins, rebushed pinblock
• Soundboard & Bridges: Original soundboard restored; bridge caps repaired or replaced
• Plate & Cabinet: Iron plate removed, cleaned, refinished, and reinstalled; cabinet refinished
• Keytops & Keybed: Original ivory keytops cleaned and reinstalled; keys leveled, bushings replaced
• Pedals & Trapwork: Full refurbishment of damper, sostenuto, and una corda pedals; reconditioned trapwork
• Tuning & Voicing: Multiple tunings post-restoration; voicing for tonal balance and responsiveness

IV. Appraisal Summary & Recent Refurbishment
• Appraised Replacement Value: $76,000
• Date of Appraisal: April 24, 2025
• Appraiser: Marc Mourier, MCPT, MM, DMA (Cand.), Piano Doctor – Van Alstyne, TX

Appraisal Notes:
- Level 3 action regulation and cleaning performed in April 2025
- Adjusted key dip and whippen springs
- Soundboard, frame, harp, and pedal system in excellent condition
- Exterior: dark walnut finish in very good condition

V. About Hardman & Peck:
Founded in 1842 in New York City, Hardman, Peck & Co. quickly gained a reputation for excellence in craftsmanship and pianos of powerful range. Noted institutions chose the Hardman piano as their preferred piano, and for many years Hardman served as the official piano of the Metropolitan Opera Company and was favored by renowned tenor Enrico Caruso, who kept Hardmans in both his New York and Florence homes. In the 1940s, the Hardman piano was selected by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for the White House — a testament to its enduring prestige and artistry.

This is a rare opportunity to own not only a performance level concert grand but a living piece of American musical history. The fact that it was commissioned by a prominent African American female pianist at a time when racial and gender barriers were high adds tremendous cultural and historical significance. It's a rare instrument that intersects music history, African American history, and women's history. A superb choice for a university, concert venue, private collector, or music lover who appreciates legacy and craftsmanship.

**Serious inquiries only. Piano is located in Frisco, TX and available for viewing by appointment.**
**Buyer must arrange professional piano moving at their own expense.**