Instructions
Note the general shape of the piano. The Chickering Square Grand is a rectangle, actually, and with the lids closed, looks like a bulky dining room table. The corners are rounded, and the keys are recessed into the general rectangular shape, rather than sticking out as with a grand piano. The Chickering logo is centered above the keys, of which there are only 78.
Look under the hood. There are distinguishing marks of a Chickering square grand. First, the name Chickering is embossed on the cast-iron stringplate; this iron structure, built into the wooden case as opposed to bolted on to it, is a mark of a Chickering.
Note the placement of the strings. As was the custom with square grand pianos, the strings run left to right. Unlike the Steinway square grands of the period, though, Chickering strings are all on one level. They are not cross strung. The hammers of the Chickering square grand are also considerably smaller than the hammers of a modern grand piano.
Listen to the piano. If you have a trained ear, you will notice a distinct difference in the Chickering square grand -- partly because of those lighter hammers. It has a lighter, quieter tone than a modern grand piano.