Claviharp Christian Dietz, Brussels, 1880

During the 19th century, three generations of the family Dietz have built pianos and claviharps. The first harp with a keyboard was presented in 1814 in Paris by Johann Christian Dietz. His grandson came to Brussels around 1880. He kept improving the instruments and he won several prices, such as the silver medal at the National exposition in 1889 and the gold medal at the International expo in Paris in 1897. His wife Eugènie Dratz gave various concerts on this instrument, resulting in a certain popularity in England, France and Belgium.

Technical data:

• Inscription: Dietz
• Compass: 6 octaves (FF-f'''')
• Keyboard: naturals in ivory, sharps in ebony
• Pedals: 2: flageolet FF-f' produced by the introduction of steel pins on the strings
• Dimensions: W 126 cm / D 50 cm / H 221 cm
• Case: ebony polished
• Chris Maene Collection number: CM 60 148
• Location: 1 - Museum "Piano's Maene" Brussels