Historical Pianos and Piano-Like Instruments of Europe: A Photo Collection

Dolls’ House Piano Furniture

A rather rustic looking piece of miniature furniture: a piano for a doll’s house.

Petrof Piano

Petrof is a Czech piano manufacturer founded in 1864. It is the leading European piano manufacturer, exporting to more than 60 countries. It was founded in 1864.

Thumb Piano

A thumb piano originating from Nigeria, measuring 20cm x 8cm.

Piano Melodico

The Piano Melodico is a player fortepiano whose strings are struck by felt hammers. Racca developed the instrument in the 1880s and sold it until around 1914. He signed a licensing agreement with the German company Wilhelm Späthe (Gera) early on. The instrument was praised at the Leipzig Fair in 1891 and its high notes were compared to the mandolin, the middle notes to the horn and the low notes to the piano. The instrument cannot be played directly by a pianist — it has no keys — but instead produces notes based on cards fed in to it.

Piano Melodico II

String instrument, similar to a grand piano or harpsichord, standing on legs. By cranking from the front, punched cardboard sheets (music books) are pulled over 30 tongues that operate the strings of the instrument. Strings are in the case. Belt operation may also have been possible. Rectangular body, black. Four turned legs on castors. Under a removable cover there are two compartments for music leporellos. On the top and sides of the case there are carved decorations that – because they are unpainted – appear light. On the bottom there is a pull-out device for the music book being played. “Piano Melodico” was a brand. Piano Melodicos and similar instruments were mainly built between 1890 and 1910. They were very fashionable, and tens of thousands of them were sold to Europe and America. They were intended for home use, but could also be coin-operated and then set up in cafés. According to Bowers, “sufficient for entertaining a party of 200 people in a ballroom”. Inscription: “Piano Melodico Patent”.

Sewing Machine/Dressing Table Piano

Sewing or dressing table in combination with piano. The keyboard is pulled out when in use.

Janko Piano

An example of the Janko style of piano, quite distinct from the pianoforte instrument most people are used to.

Cabinet Piano

Cabinet piano on two screw legs. Decorations of copper and covered with blue silk. Six octaves; two pedals. Marked LOESCHMAN, LONDON.