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1810-1815 John Geib & Son Square Piano

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 1,200.00 USD
1810-1815 John Geib & Son Square Piano
For your consideration is this 1810-1815 John Geib & Son square piano made in New York, New York. German-born John Geib (1744–1818) began his career as an organ builder. He relocated to London in the middle of the 1770s, allegedly working for Schudi (a forerunner of Broadwood), and later produced pianos for Longman & Broderip in collaboration with Ludwig Lenkfeld. He submitted a significant patent application for an action with an adjustable escapement and a middle lever between the jack and the hammer in 1786. Typically known as the "English double action," it is also occasionally referred to as the "Geib action" or the "grasshopper action." Geib moved to New York in 1797, and began making pianos and organs there together with his son John Geib, Jr. The piano shows a wood construction and can be dated between 1810-1815 from the nameplate reading "John Geib & Son" as that nameplate was only used from 1802-1815 and the serial number which reads, "5507". The soundboard is quite small but was normal for that time period, showing the tuning pins to the right. The treble strings have a very long back length. The piano features five octaves, F1 to F6. The hammers, strings and keys are all in need of repairs as most of the white and black keys are not working and the strings are broken or loose. One leg is missing a caster. Underneath the piano is a wood board that con hold paper music and other items. When you lift the top up, a wood music stand can be positioned to hold sheet music. Overall the square piano shows fair condition as it is unplayable. The wood and keys show fair to good condition showing wear from its antique age and years of use. The square piano measures 24 1/4" L x 66" W x 34" H.