Square Piano by Astor
Maker:
Astor
Number of manuals:
One
Year:
c.1800
Museum:
National Museum of American History
Date Range
1800-1850
Current Location:
North America
Material:
Painter:
Pedals:
Catalogue Number:
Origin:
England
Type:
Square Piano
This square piano was made by Astor & Company in London, England around 1799-1815. After his apprenticeship in Germany, George Peter Astor went to London about 1778. In the late 1790s, Astor moved to 79 Cornhill in London. This address is inscribed on the nameboard. After George Astor’s death in 1813, his widow continued the firm until 1815, This piano is serial number 3243 and has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, leather hammers, double-strings throughout, first 10 notes are wound brass, next 13 notes are brass, the rest are iron, 1 hand stop: dampers, wood frame, and a wood case
Credit: Smithsonian