Organized Square Piano

Date1801-1803

Maker William Rolfe

Maker John Sellers

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Germantown and England, London

MediumMahogany, softwoods, ebony, ivory, cloth, iron, brass, lead alloy, leather

DimensionsOverall: 78.1 x 61.6 x 168.3cm (30 3/4 x 24 1/4 x 66 1/4in.)

Credit LineGift of Tom and Debra Strange

Object number2014-18

DescriptionThe 5 1/2 octave square piano is signed "William Rolfe / No. 112 Cheapside, London" and bears the maker's serial no. 4480. It has a double action with lever over-dampers. The case is solid mahogany with string banding. The nameboard is veneered in light wood and decorated with a central painted and inked cartouche flanked by painted flowers. Organ: The integral 2-rank pipe organ is signed on a paper label on the bungboard, "John Sellers / Musical Instrument Maker / Germantown / 1803." The exterior is veneered in mahogany with inlaid stringing and husks. Two flats of gilded faux pipes flank a central cloth screen. The ends and back also have cloth screens to allow sound to pass through.

Inscribed"William Rolfe / No. 112 Cheapside, London"
MarkingsBears the maker's serial no. 4480
Integral 2-rank pipe organ is signed on a paper label on the bungboard, "John Sellers / Musical Instrument Maker / Germantown / 1803."
ProvenanceGift of Tom and Debra Strange of South Carolina

Exhibition(s)