Toy Square Piano

Charles Martin Crandall

ca. 1860–80 · Wood, metal · Musical Instruments

Though toy instruments like this are referred to as pianos, instead of strings the internal hammers use a simple action to hit metal bars to create their sound. Unusually, this toy piano is in the form of a domestic square piano rather than the more typical grand or upright versions. Technical description: Rectangular dark-painted tongue-and-grooved case no 4 cabriolet legs, with hinged lid lifting to reveal music rack and 18 graduated steel bars struck by simple hammer action activated by white paper-covered natural keys (C-F, with black accidentals printed on); removable burl-pattern papered nameboard bears manufacturer's inscription.

Artist

Charles Martin Crandall

Date

ca. 1860–80

Medium

Wood, metal

Culture

American

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Purchase, The Barrington Foundation Inc. Gift, 1994