Upright piano
Maker
Jacob Doll
Date1899 ca.
Place MadeNew York, New York, United States, North America
ModelGrand a la Pompadour
Serial No.none
SignedOn fallboard: Jacob Doll / New York / Grand a la PompadourMarkingsPATENTED / JAN. 1897 / DEC. 1899
Pencil marks- signatures of piano tuners and dates: - 1910.
In pencil on the spring rail: 105302
DescriptionNamed after a hair style that swept upwards, the strings in this "Pompadour" piano are above the keyboard, unlike most upright pianos of the day in which the strings extend to the bottom of the case. The design is reminiscent of upright grand pianos made in the early 19th century, such as the NMM's piano by Clementi and Company (02761). Like earlier upright grands, the hammers strike the strings from behind, but in Jacob Doll's version, the iron frame and soundboard are turned around, with the strings on the back side of the piano.
The Jacob Doll firm was established in 1885. After Doll's death in 1911, his sons ran the business until it ceased operation in 1931.
Marquetry inlay with mother-of-pearl in front panels.
Compass: AAA-c5 (88 keys)
Three pedals:
Left: Soft (1/4 blow)
Middle: Soft (1/2 blow)
Right: Dampers
ProvenanceArne B. Larson Collection, Vermillion, South Dakota, 1979.
Published ReferencesKuronen, Darcy. “Keyboard Instruments at The Shrine to Music Museum,” Early Keyboard Studies Newsletter, Vol. VI, No. 1 (October 1991), p. 11.
Credit LineArne B. Larson Collection, 1979
Object number02559
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