List of Keyboards 

This square piano was made by Johann Francis Kahl in Washington, D.C. around 1843-1844. Kahl was born in Diedenberg, Germany and came to Washington in 1840. This piano has a compass of FF-f4, an English double action, single-strings, first octave, double-strings for rest, pins at rear, an iron hitch-pin plate with numerous cut-outs, and a rosewood case

Credit: Smithsonian

Range 5 octaves, F' – f''', English system. White, floral-decorated lower keys and black upper keys. Square, fluted legs with H-cross

Technical description: Unfretted clavichord. Range FF-f3; soft wood case painted outside in imitation tortoise-shell, lid black with painted tortoise-shell panels, interior of lid and front board painted red; on separate carved stand with cabriole legs; natural keyheads 4.6 cm long, ebony tops with 4 score lines, black-stained arcades; accidentals 8.2 cm long, black-stained hardwood with bone tops; pivot points: naturals 19.0 bass to treble, accidentals 15.9 bass to treble; note names written on keys; keys FF, FF#, g, d2, d#2 possibly not original (FF and FF# are of softwood, whereas g, d2, d#2 are of pear. While the latter 3 are obviously replacements for missing or broken keys, the FF and FF# may have been added to enlarge compass. Plating on FF# is ivory; brass tangents; probably spruce soundboard with usual simple-section bridge backpinned from FF to a2; unpierced oblong tuning pins, note names inscribed by pins. Credit (Hardy Schlick, 1977)

This square piano was made by James Jenkins in Baltimore, Maryland around 1822-1825. James and his brother Jason were known in Baltimore as cabinets makers from 1815-1821. Jason retired in 1821, and James continued until 1837 as a furniture maker. James Jenkins might have made this piano or it might have been made by someone else for Jenkins to sell, which was a common practice. This piano has a compass of FF-f4, an English double action, double-strings throughout, the first 3 notes are wound, tuning pins on the right, 1 pedal: dampers (?), wood frame, and a mahogany case

Credit: Smithsonian

In 1833, this Polish piano builder finds his way to Brussels, working as a restorer with another piano company. In 1840 he founded his own piano workshop. He took part in different international exhibitions. In the 19th century pianos were expensive and meant for the higher class. Therefore often adapted to their extravagant style to match their interiors. This instrument in “Mechelen” style is an example of such a specific commission. The piano is made out of massive oak and is richly sculptured.

Technical data:

• Inscription: Felix Jastrzebski Facteur de SM. le Roi Bruxelles. médaille Prize Medal Londres 1851 - médaille 2e Prix Bruxelles 1841

• Pedals: 2: una corda - forte

• Dimensions: W 154 cm / D 67 cm / H 124 cm

• Case: oak lavishly sculpted

• Serial number: 1670

• Chris Maene Collection number: CM 64 278

• Location: 1 - Museum "Piano's Maene" Brussels

Photo Credit: Uni Leipzig

Photo Credit: Uni Leipzig

On the makers' label beneath the soundboard, this square is called a Bandlony or "pantaleon," the name given earlier to a large hammer dulcimer popularized by the virtuoso, Pantaleon Hebenstreit. Hand stops below the 61 key (FF–f3), five octave keyboard control devices that modify the tone to imitate Hebenstreit's versatile dulcimer. The stops affect bass and treble strings separately, allowing tonal contrast between left and right hands. Credit: Met Museum 

It is thought to be the oldest surviving French harpsichord in the world.

The instrument, which is elaborately decorated and features a hand-painted lid depicting the myth of Apollo and Daphne, is currently on display in Gallery 15 (dedicated to the French Rococo period). It is preserved as a decorative display piece rather than a functional instrument

Photo Credit: Daderot Wikicommons