Square Piano
Alpheus Babcock was a Boston based piano maker who is mast famous for his invention, and patent, of an iron frame. HIs patent for that innovation, which would be come standard on all types of pianos, was in December of 1825. This instrument predates his introduction of the iron frame.
Technical description: Mahogany and mahogany veneer case resting on four cylindrical legs with bronze-gilt mountings at top and bottom, stretchers of square section on three sides, compass FF-f4 (73 keys), ivory naturals with molded fronts, ebony accidentals, lyre-shaped pedal lyre, 2 pedals, left lifting dampers, right lifting a mute from the portion of the strings to the right of the bridge; English double action with intermediate lever and escapement; crank over key lifts wire that passes through eyelet, supporting cloth-lined damper; double string throughout, bottom 14 notes wound. (Description revised by L. Libin 4 Aug 76).
Technical description: Mahogany and mahogany veneer case resting on four cylindrical legs with bronze-gilt mountings at top and bottom, stretchers of square section on three sides, compass FF-f4 (73 keys), ivory naturals with molded fronts, ebony accidentals, lyre-shaped pedal lyre, 2 pedals, left lifting dampers, right lifting a mute from the portion of the strings to the right of the bridge; English double action with intermediate lever and escapement; crank over key lifts wire that passes through eyelet, supporting cloth-lined damper; double string throughout, bottom 14 notes wound. (Description revised by L. Libin 4 Aug 76).
Artwork Details
- Title: Square Piano
- Maker: Alpheus Babcock (Maine 1785–1842 Boston)
- Date: ca. 1825
- Geography: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Wood, various materials
- Dimensions: Case L. (perpendicular to keyboard): 66 cm (26 in.); W.: (parallel to keyboard): 169.3 (66-3/4 in.); Case depth (without lid): 27 cm (10-5/8 in.); Total H.: 87 cm ( 34-1/4 in.); 3-octave W.:48.5 cm (19-1/8 in.)
- Classification: Chordophone-Zither-struck-piano
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Marion G. Littig, 1922
- Object Number: 22.112
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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Alpheus Babcock
1822–24
Thomas Appleton
1830
Henry Sibley
1840
Elbridge G. Wright
ca. 1845
Robert Nunns
John Clark
1853
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