This square piano was made by J.J. Wise and Brother in Baltimore, Maryland about 1840. John J. Wise received a patent in 1839 for an “improvement in the action of pianos-fortes” (U.S. Patent number 1,205) which is indicated as a “Detached Composite Action” on the nameboard inscription. This piano is serial number 45 and has a compass of CC-g4, Wise square action, felt (?) hammers, single-strings for the first 6 notes, double-strings for the rest, tuning pins at the back, 2 pedals: moderator and dampers, an iron hitch-pin plate frame, and a rosewood case.
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.