When Chopin was forced to flee France and take refuge in England in the spring of 1848, he accepted the offer to use what was then the largest grand piano made by Broadwood & Sons. Before he embarked on the official tour, Chopin earned £20 per appearance for morning recitals at the homes of wealthy patrons. This piano, identical in style to the ones provided to Chopin for touring, was at the home of William Amory. Bought in December of 1845, this was the piano available to Chopin when he was employed for the morning by Mrs. Amory in May of 1848. The story was told and retold within the family, and finally condensed into a recollection of the grumblings that William made on paying the outrageous sum of 20£ for a musician!

According to Sheridan Germann, "No more magnificent British harpsichord survives than this 1761 Jacob Kirkman, which was formerly Queen Charlotte's (the wedding present from King George III), and was probably played by the nine-year-old Mozart for the royal family at Buckingham House in 1764." This is indeed one of the finest-sounding English harpsichords in existence and is certainly among the loveliest visually. In the keywell and interior is a marquetry veneer of dark figures on a light background, which features eagles, angels playing trumpets, scrolling foliage, and a trophy of various musical instruments. The borders feature decorative dark banding with pale squares made of laburnum wood with the heart- and sapwood both showing.

This harpsichord exemplifies the sleek and refined craftsmanship characteristic of Italian instruments from the Baroque era. With a single manual and sets of 8-foot strings, it produces a rich, full-bodied tone that strikes a perfect balance between clarity and resonance. Its lightweight construction and straightforward action provide exceptional responsiveness, making it ideal for the intricate ornamentation and rapid passages typical of Italian Baroque music. Tuned and voiced according to the regional traditions of its time, it delivers a bright, vibrant sound with distinctive tonal purity. This instrument stands as a remarkable testament to Italian craftsmanship, celebrated for its historical authenticity and outstanding playability.