The First Circuit weighed in on a debate over the ownership of a rhinestone-adorned piano once played by American pianist and entertainer Liberace, examining Massachusetts bailment and contract law.

In a Dec. 4 opinion by U.S. Court of Appeals Judge David Jeremiah Barron for the First Circuit, the court reversed a summary judgment order in favor of defendants Rob Norris and Piano Mill Group LLC, on plaintiff Gibson Foundation Inc.’s claims concerning the piano at the center of the dispute.