[steve johnson]

My wife and I recently bought an antique upright piano, primarily for its case, a New York Empire design in the style of the furniture maker Joseph Meeks (circa 1835.) I contacted a local piano expert to see if it can be restored. When we opened the back, we discovered the words "Built in London in 1797 by Jacob Mayer" written on the wood. The date could perhaps also be 1707. Does anyone know anything about Jacob Mayer? I'm also confused as to the case, since the style is one that did not appear in New York until around 1820, though perhaps someone could have taken an older piano and put it in a new case.

[Bill Kibby]

Firstly, forget 1707, the piano was only just being invented, and there were no upright pianos. Mayer & Co. were in London around 1803-8, and I'll see what else I can find. Styles are never a reliable way of dating pianos, but if you email photos, I can probably tell you more. Press www below, or type PianoGen in the address bar.
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I do not buy, sell or value pianos, but I sometimes rescue wood-frame pianos in the UK.

My own website: http://www.pianogen.org

Email Bill@PianoGen.org

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