Spinet by Slibermann, J
Maker:
Silbermann, J
Number of manuals:
One
Year:
1785
Museum:
National Music Museum, North America
Date Range
1750-1800
Current Location:
North America
Material:
Walnut
Painter:
Pedals:
Catalogue Number:
BMO-2164
Origin:
Germany
Type:
Spinet
Johann Heinrich Silbermann (1727-1799) learned instrument making from his father, the Strasbourg organ builder Andreas Silbermann, and in the 1740s he also worked in Saxony with his uncle, Gottfried Silbermann, the prominent German organ builder of the period who was also famous for his clavichords, harpsichords, and pianos.
Beautifully veneered in book-matched walnut, the instrument rests on a stand with Louis XVI style fluted legs. Soundboard with fine gilt geometrical rose made of layers of cut parchment. As in many central-German instruments, the bridge and nut are stained black.
Single manual, FF-f3 (5 octaves)
2 X 8, brass stringing from FF to g, iron stringing from a to f3
Case: bookmatched walnut with bent side and angled tail; lid with two panels; lid lock; oak spine; interior construction pine and oak; pine bottom board
Soundboard: medium grain spruce parallel to spine