This story has twists and turns (many we will never know).
What matters in the end, however, is that this particular piano, one of the first pianos ever made, has become a place of comfort for a much beloved cat who was abandoned in a subsidized housing community, rescued by some very kind young children who fed him Cheerios because they had nothing else (nor did they know what kittens ate). They called their neighbor, Vivian, who worked in a veteranarian's office, and Vivian rescued "Jack." The kids and Vivian called him Tom, but after a plethora of stories about "Jack" and a billion photos and stories about how much we loved him, everyone knew Tom was really Jack.
The candlestick is resting on something called a "candle slide." The beautifully carved piece of wood slides out so that the pianist can read the music by candlelight. There was no such thing as electric light in the 1880s.
I must admit, I was very unhappy when I left the auction room for a moment and my sister encouraged my husband to bid on the piano. No one played and our three children made feeble attempts. Michael, who was enrolled in the Kawasaki method was cut out immediately by Miss Emily Weeks. Michael's stomper 4X4 rumbled from ebony to ivory, swiveled, and headed back over Miss Weeks perfectly tuned keyboard, and Michael was relegated to the drums from that time on.
Bethie was a natural charmer. She practiced, did her homework, wrote musical compositions upon request, yet still she hated the whole piano-playing experience.
Tom had zero interest, but he was reasonably good at faking. He was good at it until he missed the biggest recital of the year because he fell off a sailboat in the middle of the Potomac. His dad rescued him after a high wind blew the boat away. It took hours to get back to play for Miss Weeks, so Tom's musical career was ended.
Jack, however, may be the musically gifted offspring I never had. He plucks those strings from 1880 and settles down to contemplate his musical career. The piano was made in Vienna.
During the auction, when I came back from (the ladies' room) and discovered I owned a $600 piano, I was more than a little upset. My sister kept saying, $600.It's cheaper by the pound than soybeans." Ultimately, the piano had to be exterminated for woodworms -- twice.
So, while Jack is learning to play ... one ping or twang at a time... I'd just like to mention that if anyone is interested in one of the 1st pianos ever made (rosewood and signed A. Girakowsky in Wien) let me know. The woodworms are gone, and Jack has yet to master "Chop Sticks."