Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > April 2004 > 2004.04.04 > 03Prev  Next


C. Kurtzmann & Co. Pianos
By D. L. Bullock

Jessica W wrote:

> Its weight is probably close to 2,000 pounds and has a thick piece
> of solid copper inside. I would like to know what date it was made.

In the numbering system of Kurtzmann only, no "C." and no "& Co."
the number 15465 piano would have been made in 1900.  There are no
other differing names for Kurtzmann in Buffalo except for one in 1859:
Kurtzmann and Heinze.

This is an upright since a "cabinet grand" is just a salesman's buzzword
for an upright.  I doubt seriously that it weighs 2000 pounds.  It will
weigh 400-600 pounds.  It is not possible for there to be a solid
copper plate inside.  It would certainly not hold the 20-30 tons of
force exerted by the string tension.  The plate you see with the copper
color is cast iron painted with a bronzing powder finish as pianos have
been done since the mid 1800's.

D.L. Bullock    St. Louis
www.thepianoworld.com


(Message sent Sun 4 Apr 2004, 23:38:13 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  C, Co, Kurtzmann, Pianos

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page