Square piano

C. F. Theodor Steinweg Nachf.
Braunschweig
1865
Cultural Foundation Saxony-Anhalt | Michaelstein Monastery, inv. no. KM-SM 0064 

The square piano with the serial number 371 is one of the first pianos to be produced under the label “C. F. Theodor Steinweg Nachf.” after the company was sold in 1865. The contract indicated that the new owners were allowed to continue manufacturing based on the models of Theodor Steinweg (1825-1889) for ten years, and to use construction elements – already part of the inventory or newly acquired – such as the cast iron frame from Steinway & Sons. Accordingly, the frame of the square piano presented here bears the inscription “STEINWAY & SONS / NEW YORK”. 

The piano is equipped with a push-tongue action – also known as “English action” with individual catchers and a horizontal top damper. It has a pedal to cancel the damping. The case is covered with polished rosewood veneer.