C. Bechstein pianos have been in production from 1853 to the present day. Its most productive and prosperous era relative to the piano industry occurred between 1870 and the beginning of the 20th century. This Model V was built sometime between 1885 and 1890 based on its case number–an imprinted number used by the factory to organize production and the only identifying notation present which places it in this vintage. At that time, Bechstein was patronized by the Tsars of Russia, the royal families of Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Austria and Denmark, and other royalty and aristocracy. Its serial number is unknown as they were only generated at the time of completion, stamped on the frame only to be removed or painted over in the 130 years since.

Despite being the smallest grand piano C. Bechstein offered at this time, this instrument commands a powerful bass and clear treble allowing for precise articulation. The sound of a C. Bechstein results from the careful selection of the raw materials for the case—laminated beech and high-density priming under the lacquer or the veneer—and the high-precision manufacturing of the braces that compose the back frame, which results in an outstandingly robust assembly.