This handsome six-octave piano is in a walnut case with octagonal tapered legs. The three pedals control the moderator, bassoon, and damper-lift.
The name is inscribed on a porcelain plaque. Johann Anton Knam, born in 1790, received his citizenship (Burger) of Vienna in 1822. In 1832 he married Elisabeth Schiffer, sister of Georg Schiffer, another piano maker in Vienna, and in 1837 he became Director of the citizen piano makers of Vienna. We believe this piano to have been made c. 1833; he was active until c. 1839.
The keys are bone - a useful advantage for overseas buyers, especially from USA!
The interior view shows the layout with the bass strings at the back; it has a typical Viennese 'Prell' action. The frame at the left carries the parchment strip which when selected buzzes on the bass strings to provide the 'bassoon' effect. This piano was restored by Lucy Coad 2012. Estimate £1,500 - £2,000