Name/Title
PianoforteEntry/Object ID
1967.27.1Description
Pianoforte in a square mahogany case with rounded corners. The case is decorated with crossbands of rosewood with lines of brass and rosewood. It contains a keyboard with a lifting cover and two drawers. It has a hinged storage compartment. The case rests on ring turned and reeded tapered legs. The hardware is made of brass, including the casters. An inside panel contains the inscription, "Pratt Place, Camdentown London, John Siegling C.H.S., Charleston, S.C." while a label above the keyboard faintly reads, “Gunther and Horwood, Manufacturers, Pratt Place, Camden Town, London, John Siegling, Charleston, S.C."Context
Pratt Place was a hub for piano manufacturers, such as Henry Gunther and George Horwood whose partnership lasted from 1823 until 1836. Piano retailer John Siegling (1791-1867)order this piano from Gunther and Horwood and then sold it out of his shop in Charleston sometime before 1865 when ownership of the music store passed to Siegling’s son.
Siegling, a German immigrant, established Siegling Music House in Charleston in 1819. Initially operating on Broad Street, Siegling earned his reputation in music retail, repair, and publishing before moving to King Street in 1840. John’s son, Henry Siegling (1828–1905), took over the business after serving in the Confederate army and, in turn, passed the store on to future generations. Siegling Music House remained in operation until 1974. By then it was among the oldest and longest running instrument retailers in the country.
Given that the Siegling family worked as both instrument makers and importers, the inscription "Pratt Place, Camdentown London,” suggests this piano was imported from one of the many manufactures operating in Camden Town and later sold by John Siegling.Dimensions
Height
34-1/4 inWidth
68-1/2 inDepth
26 in
