Used, Burger & Jacobi, 132

Historical Piano
Burger & Jacoby, late 19th century (c. 1885–1892)
Estimated value: €10,000+ (inherited estate)
Immediate sale price: €7,000
Inscription / Signed by: Dr. Johannes Brahms
Thun, 15 August 1888
Exceptionally Well-Preserved Musical Instrument
Fully overhauled (documentation available)
Restored soundboard
Excellent tone, perfectly playable
Original appearance preserved
Equipped with a Brahms plaque
Serial number: 3897
Manufacturing date likely between 1885 and 1892
This corresponds perfectly with the Brahms inscription dated 1888
Cabinet design exactly reflects the period
Solid Gründerzeit-era case
Burl walnut veneer
Brass fittings
Original candle holders
Decorative interior lettering
Elaborately crafted cabinet design
A Rare Swiss Collector’s Piano
Of significant cultural and historical interest
Original interior inscription still intact
Musically: exceptionally well preserved
Once again: perfectly playable
The aesthetic condition of the instrument is remarkably beautiful
This is a very fine historic piano by Burger & Jacoby. The cabinet features elaborate walnut burl veneer, typical of high-quality Swiss instruments of the period.
The two candle holders indicate that the piano was built before the widespread introduction of electric lighting.
Inside the instrument is an inscription or recommendation by Johannes Brahms, dated 15 August 1888 in Thun, which makes the piano particularly fascinating from a historical perspective.
Technical and Musical Significance
An early high-quality upright piano with an underdamper action (a very rare transitional system between overdamper and underdamper mechanisms)
Therefore perfectly playable, with a very rich and impressive sound
An exceptionally rare model
Previously restored at a cost of approximately CHF 6,000
The instrument demonstrates meticulous restoration work, with quality felts, proper action geometry, and an overall preservation state that is highly unusual for its age
Approximate Text of the Inscription
“Your pianino has greatly enhanced my summer stay here.
It is a truly excellent instrument and, in its kind, a model example.
The well-deserved recognition it merits will certainly not fail to come.”
Signed: Dr. Johannes Brahms
Thun, 15 August 1888
This does not necessarily mean that Brahms personally owned this specific instrument. Many piano manufacturers of the period used such letters of recommendation or testimonial plaques as promotional material inside their instruments.
Nevertheless, the Johannes Brahms plaque makes this piano particularly attractive from a historical standpoint.
Even if the inscription was likely used as an endorsement for advertising purposes, it demonstrates that:
Burger & Jacoby already enjoyed considerable cultural prestige at the time
The company moved within the circle of important musicians and cultural figures
Johannes Brahms was indeed a frequent visitor to Switzerland, particularly to the town of Thun.