Grand Piano by Kisting, H
Maker:
Kisting, H
Number of manuals:
Year:
1828
Museum:
National Museum of American History
Date Range
1800-1850
Current Location:
North America
Material:
Cherry, Mahogany
Painter:
Pedals:
Two
Catalogue Number:
CEP-2052
Origin:
Germany
Type:
Grand Piano
This grand piano was made by Heinrich Christian Kisting & Son in Berlin, Germany around 1828-1832. The nameboard of this piano shows that it was made explicitly for export to Washington, D.C. and reads “H. KISTING and SON / Piano-fort maker of the Royal Court / at / Berlin / to be sold by Mr. / F. A. Wagler / at / WASHINGTON.” The piano has a compass of CC-a4, Viennese action with back checks on a rail, leather hammers, brass and iron strings with 2 or 3 strings for each note, 2 pedals (missing): keyboard shift (?) and dampers (?), a frame made from 3 iron tension bars (probably not original) screwed to a wood string plate and pin block, straight-strung, and a cherry veneer case with mahogany legs
Credit: Smithsonian