Piano, Upright
Object number2017.77.1
Retailer
H. Kleber & Bro.
OriginPittsburgh, PA
MediumIron; Wood; Wood veneer; Brass; Metal; Ivory; Ebony; Felt; Paint; Graphite
Credit LineGift of Thomas Bell
DescriptionUpright piano. Wooden case with red-brown wood veneer. Keyboard consists of eighty-eight keys with white ivory natural keys and black ebony sharp keys.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 58.063 × 63.25 × 27.5 in. (147.5 × 160.7 × 69.9 cm)InscriptionsReverse has painted white text across closed case section (along top of reverse) "BELL'S".
Inside case on back wall at proper right area is handwritten text "Overhauled / [illegible] check & Tuned! / May 14th, 1958 by [illegible] / [illegile] / 3/11 TONE".
MarksFront of fallboard in folded position black and gold painted text at center "H. Kleber & Bro. / PITTSBURGH / Established 1841".
Inside case on back wall at top proper left area is serial number "87131" and maker's plate with text "H KLEBER & BRO / PITTSBURGH".
Imprinted numbers on underside of top board at front center "131" and on the back edge of each side board just above center "2".
Historical NotesThis upright piano was sold by H. Kleber and Bros. Henry Kleber came to Pittsburgh around 1830, with his parents and brother. One of his first jobs in the city was to play the piano for prospective customers at the store of Smith and Mellor. He also taught music, sang, composed, and eventually sold musical instruments, becoming a leading figure in the musical life of the city and a friend/collaborator of Stephen Foster. He opened his first music store around 1846, on Third Street (Avenue now). He was now in competition with his former employer, and the two business owners clashed frequently. In 1855, the store name changed to H. Kleber and Bro. after Augustus Kleber joined the business, they also moved to Fifth Street. They were the first store to introduce Steinway’s to the city. He operated the store until his death and then his sons continued it until about 1915.
Related person
Henry Kleber
(1816 - 1897)
Related person
Augustus Kleber
Related institution
Smith and Mellor
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