Unique piano from KRIEGELSTEIN Paris, France. 19th century.

A unique piano from Kriegelstein, richly decorated with floral decorations made using the marquetry technique and elements of gilded bronze. This piano was created in 1870. The instrument is in excellent condition. Restoration work on the pianos decor was carried out, as well as adjustment of the mechanism.
Historical background: KRIEGELSTEIN Paris, France Jean Georges Kriegelstein was born in Riquewihr in Alsace around 1790. In 1815 he emigrated to Paris and worked for several master harpsichordists such as Blanchet and Mercier before moving to the piano with Henri Pape, where he was master for five years. In 1850, he opened his workshop in Paris and began creating high-quality upright pianos at attractive prices, and then began making medium-sized grand pianos. He was passionate about his work and about developments in music, creating various inventions for the Worlds Fairs of 1855, 1862, 1867, 1873, 1882, 1885, 1894 and 1897. In 1900 he won a gold medal and Kriegelstein was awarded the Legion of Honor. In 1841 he invented the agraphs and then in 1846 he created the double clutch, which became known as the Kriegelstein clutch to distinguish it from the Erard clutch. In 1845 he created his first upright pianos with diagonal strings. He then adapted the single-piece cast frame for grand pianos and then for upright pianos. Jean-Georges Kriegelstein died in 1865, his son Charles began managing production in 1858. In 1897, the Parisian factory on the Boulevard Bessières moved to Droitcourt in Oise and was modernized, with new machines and a large sawmill purchased. Production increased and the small grand pianos (150cm) became a big success. The design improved over time and by 1925-1930 it received the beautiful name Bijou. The grand piano was always affixed with a masters certificate with the pianos number and Kriegelsteins signature. The production was run by Charless son, Georges, until 1922, then his son-in-law, Mr. Boulet, ran the factory until it closed in 1931. Their upright pianos with metal frames crossed with Schwander action, created between 1925 and 1930, were quality and reliable instruments, often with beautiful marquetry in fine woods. By the time Kriegelstein closed in 1930, the company had produced 25,700 pianos.