This clavier is a practice instrument made by Mrs. Antha M. Virgil in New York, New York, around 1910. It is a rectangular-shaped instrument, serial number 1[ ]08, with a compass of AA-c5. Practice claviers such as this one were often stringless or muted, but had piano “action” to train young pianists. Mrs. Antha Virgil was married to Almon Virgil, and together they started producing several practice books, pianos, and lessons in New York. After their divorce around 1900, they started competing in the practice piano market, and Mrs. Virgil produced this Tekniklavier. The instrument is stenciled:
Tekniklavier
TRADE MARK REGISTERED
MANUFACTURED BY
Mrs. A.M. Virgil
New York
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