J.B. Streicher, Vienna, 1839
Johann Baptist Streicher was (with Conrad Graf until 1841) the most famous piano maker in Vienna. He invented several types of instruments with English actions, Anglo-Viennese actions, and down striking actions. This instrument however is traditional Viennese, with completely leather covered hammerheads and so-called ‘Stiefeldämpfung’.
Johann Baptist Streicher was the son of the well known piano makers Nannette and Andreas Streicher. Johann Baptist became a partner in their business in 1823.
The portrait is of Fanny Hensel-Mendelssohn of 1841.
restoration, 2016
The case of the Streicher was quite warped and had serious soundboard cracks.
The soundboard in all its parts
Re-glueing ribs on the soundboard
Straightening the case
Original hammers