This practice clavier was made by Almon Kincaid Virgil in New York, around 1896. It is a small rectangular-shaped piano, serial number 3614, with a compass of AA-c4. The piano has a folding stand attached to the bottom that can be collapsed for storage. Practice pianos such as this were popular for their ability to weight the keys, forcing the pianist to press them harder and in doing so building up finger strength and enforcing muscle memory. The following is stenciled on the front of the piano [The date of 1888 is incorrect and should be 1886]:
DO NOT USE THE UP CLICKS
BEYOND 5 OUNCES.
PATENTED JUNE 29, 1888 [should be 1886]
” “ OCT. 23, 1888
” “ JULY 19, 1892
VIRGIL
PERFECTED
Practice Clavier
NEW YORK
This practice clavier features the following patents:
U.S. Patent #344462, dated June 29, 1886, by Almon K. Virgil for an exercising device for musicians.
U.S. Patent #344464, dated June 29, 1886, by Almon K. Virgil for an exercising keyboard for musicians.
U.S. Patent #391439, dated October 23, 1888, by Almon K. Virgil for an exercising keyboard for musicians.
U.S. Patent #479340, dated July 19, 1892, by Almon K. Virgil for an exercising keyboard for musicians.
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