Square Piano
George Astor Germany, active London
Not on view
George Astor was a flute maker born in Germany who emigrated to London with his brother John Jacob Astor. His brother would later move to the United States where he was a fur dealer and also sold musical instruments by his brother. As the square piano became more popular in the late eighteenth century, Astor began building instruments like this example in the style of other London instrument makers.
Technical description: Square piano on separate stand; with non-original stool. Mahogany veneered case with inlayed decoration and floral painted, sycamore-veneered nameboard. Decorative cast brass bolt covers. Compass FF-f3. Double strung throughout. Two hand stops controlling dampers and moderator. Pedal (missing) operated swell. Enameled nameplate on nameboard: New Patent/ G. ASTOR/ No. 79 CORNHILL/ London. Serial number 1067.
