Schrader & Hartz c. 1795
This beautiful calligraphy introduces one of the most interesting pianos to appear at auction for some time. The text tells us that Schrader & Hartz were successors to Gabriel Buntebart, partner to the very first London maker, Johannes Zumpe. The address, 7 Princes Street Grosvenor Square was ocupied by Zumpe from 1761.
We note that this is a very early example of a piano with a 5½-octave compass. The French stand carries two pedals, apparently for a lid-swell and a buff stop.
The brass knob is for lifting the short lid-flap to give a crescendo effect; the remnants of red cloth were to prevent a clatter if the pedal was released too suddenly. Good to see the wooden 'shade', bearing the maker's label.
The two cranked levers are for bass and treble damper-lifts; the mechanism towards the lower edge of the picture is linked to the buff stop.
Many of the strings look original, and the hammers appear to be good.
The 5½-octave compass was achieved not by the (patented) Southwell 'additional keys' arrangement, but by compressing the treble keys and employing a generously 'swept' bridge to provide the necessary short strings for the top notes
This image and the one above indicate that the bridge and soundboard are good, and the wrestpins are the hand-made originals.
This fine piano does need a thorough overhaul, but it appears to be complete and in original condition, with no 'interventions'. It was in Hawley's auction on September 6 as Lot 66, with an estimate of just £200 - £300, but it was desperately disappointing to see a complete lack of bids, and an eventual sale for just £50.
It is worth noting that only three pianos by Schrader & Hartz are recorded in 'Clinkscale', and all three of these have compasses of just 4½ octaves.
All images by, and by courtesy of, Hawley's Auctioneers, Beverley, Yorkshire. https://www.hawleys.info/
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