Square Piano by Newman, J & E
Maker:
Newman, J & E
Number of manuals:
One
Year:
1851
Museum:
National Museum of American History
Date Range
1850-1900
Current Location:
North America
Material:
Painter:
Pedals:
Two
Catalogue Number:
CEP-2408
Origin:
North America
Type:
Square Piano
This square piano was made by Joseph and Elias R. Newman in Baltimore, Maryland around 1851-1852. There was a sizable group of Newmans in Baltimore between 1828 and 1860. The founder was Joseph Newman, who was in various partnerships with his brothers and sons throughout this period. It is unusual to find an instrument with a compass of only 6 octaves as late as the early 1850s. This piano has a compass of FF-f4, Viennese action, felt hammers, single-strings for the first 11 notes, triple-strings for the last 17 notes, double-strings for the rest, tuning pins in the front, 2 pedals: dampers and moderator, metal hitch-pin plate frame, and a rosewood (?) case
Credit: Smithsonian