We have in our possession one of two specimens that were brought over to Chicago in the 1893 Columbian Exposition for display. Where's the other one? Don't know. Like many pianos, it sports an emblem stating that it was a prize winner (Golden Medaille). For years, I've been under the impression that my great-great grandfather Maximiliian Schönleber co-owned a piano factory in Stuttgart, Germany. I'm finding out, as I dig further, that my great-great grandfather Maximiliian Schönleber was not the owner, but rather a brother or uncle or maybe even a son of the piano maker. The family tree is fuzzy on that side of the family. It's amazing how on one side of my family tree, I can trace my ancestry all the way back to Scottish monarchs, but can't seem to go back even a century and a half on the other.
Right here, I will attempt to log any research findings that I come across in an attempt to help others connect to the history of this piano. Recently, a man from somewhere in Australia contacted me, looking for info about the piano that he had. Turns out that he has an identical model to this one (with the exception to the candelabras which I THINK were unique to this special edition piano that we own).
This picture from our previous home in St. Clair, MO, ca. 1980.
Right here, I will attempt to log any research findings that I come across in an attempt to help others connect to the history of this piano. Recently, a man from somewhere in Australia contacted me, looking for info about the piano that he had. Turns out that he has an identical model to this one (with the exception to the candelabras which I THINK were unique to this special edition piano that we own).
This picture from our previous home in St. Clair, MO, ca. 1980.
The piano itself is all in Ebony with a slightly glossy-satin finish. The keys are of ivory (of-course). The emblem and award displayed on the fallboard is an inlay of solid brass. It has two pedals: soft and sustain. The ornate carvings on the front between candelabras exquisitely displays a lyre. The rest of the case also sports other hand-carved variations. Round, hand-carved legs support the front of the piano. I believe what is truly unique about this piano, is its ability to be taken apart in several pieces for transport, even more so than any other modern acoustic piano. Instead of moving the whole piano at once, I believe the intention was to make the piano easily transportable by two people. Also included, is a brass handle, about thigh-high, on each end of the piano for lifting. Interesting, huh.
Here is another picture from that same roll of film, again circa 1980.
Also from the same film roll, circa 1980. That's me reaching for the keys. I think I was approximately 6-8 months here. A wee lad.
In the coming weeks, I intend on taking a few more pictures for the purpose of showing the inside workings and more detail. Please stay tuned!
