Object Details
user
Berlin, Irving
maker
Weser Bros.
Description
This transposing upright piano was made by Weser Brothers in New York, New York in 1940. According to the inscription on the case, it was made “expressly for Irving Berlin.” The transposing mechanism moves the action and keyboard so that the player can play in any key. Irving Berlin was a self-taught pianist who preferred to play on the black keys. This piano is serial number 117728 and has a compass of AAA-c5, tape-check upright action, felt hammers, single-, double-, and triple-strings, 3 pedals: :soft,” transposing mechanism, and dampers, 1 hand lever under the keybed: keyboard and action shift, one-piece cast-iron frame, cross-strung, and a black lacquer case.
Credit Line
Gift of Irving Berlin
date made
1940
ID Number
MI.73.30
accession number
305340
catalog number
73.30
serial number
117,728
Object Name
piano
Physical Description
felt (hammers: material)
iron (frame material)
wood (case: material)
cast (frame production method/technique)
Measurements
overall: 45 in x 60 in x 25 in; 114.3 cm x 152.4 cm x 63.5 cm
place made
United States: New York, New York
Related Publication
Kendrick, Kathleen M. and Peter C. Liebhold. Smithsonian Treasures of American History
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments
Music & Musical Instruments
Pianos
Exhibition
Price of Freedom
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Musical Theater
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_605967