Square "Work Box" Piano

Unknown

early 19th century · Various materials · Musical Instruments

Technical description: Softwood case veneered with ebony; on the lid exterior a painted oval panel enclosing an outdoor scene said to represent 2 maidens offering gifts at the altar of Diana, the panel and lid corners embellished with metal ornaments; within the lid a gilt medallion representing a Roman head; 2 mahogany strips at either side of the medallion probably later replacements; below the keybed a cedar compartmented sewing tray in a drawer; folding iron handles at sides of case; front panel missing; metal spacer between pinblock and hitchpin rail, passing through center of bridge; laminated pinblock with top layer of mahogany; unpierced tuning pins; keyboard and action slide under soundboard when not in use, pull out for playing; compass F-C (32 keys--pitch not determined), bone naturals, wood accidental blocks painted black on top surface; German action with escapement, brass kapsels; no dampers; double-strung throughout. (L. Libin, 12 Nov. 1976)

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 19th century

Medium

Various materials

Culture

possibly French

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889