Square Piano by Babcock, A
Maker:
Babcock, A
Year:
c.1833
Museum:
National Museum of American History
Date Range
1800-1850
Current Location:
[object Object]
Material:
Mahogany
Painter:
Type:
Square Piano
This square piano was made by Alpheus Babcock, for William Swift, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1833-1837. It is the only surviving Babcock from the period in which he worked as foreman at William Swift’s factory. Alpheus Babcock is best known for his invention of the one-piece metal frame for square pianos, patented December 17, 1825 in Boston. This piano is one of three known pianos with his patented iron frame. This piano is serial number 1517 and has a compass of FF-f4, Babcock patent action, leather top over layers of felt hammers (not original), double-strings, some wound, 2 pedals: moderator and dampers, Babcock’s patented one-piece cast iron frame, and a crotch mahogany veneered case
Credit: Smithsonian