Square Piano by Stewart, A
Maker:
Stewart, A
Number of manuals:
One
Year:
1812
Museum:
National Museum of American History
Date Range
1800-1850
Current Location:
North America
Material:
Painter:
Pedals:
One
Catalogue Number:
Origin:
England
Type:
Square Piano
This square piano was made by Stewart in London, England about 1812. It is possible that this instrument was made in London by James Stewart’s brother Adam. The soundboard inscription of “A. Stewart 1812” refers to Adam, but the date is at the time that Adam was in Baltimore. It’s possible Adam made the piano in London and brought it to Baltimore, where in 1812 he did some repair on it. If the piano was made by James Stewart in London, it must be later than 1826, as he apparently did not make pianos in London before going to Baltimore in 1812. This piano is possibly serial number 2552 and has a compass of FF-c4, double action, leather hammers covered with felt, double-strings throughout, first 11 notes are wound, tuning pins on the right, 1 pedal: dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany (?) case
Credit Smithsonian