Lichtenthal & Cie upright piano, Brussels, 1838

In 1830, Herman Lichtenthal successfully presents his upright piano at the 3rd ‘Exposition générale à Bruxelles’. During his career he acquired different brevets, which resulted in him becoming the biggest piano builder in the country. The ingenious Lichtenthal invents the “tape-check action”. In this upright action a fine leather strip pulls the hammer. This way the hammer doesn’t bounce back on the strings after being hit. A lot of piano makers copy this idea. Today the upright pianos are still equipped with tape-check.  

Technical data:

• Inscription: Lichtenthal & Cie à Bruxelles
• Compass: 6 octaves (FF-f'''')
• Keyboard: naturals in ivory, sharps in ebère
• Pedals: 2: una corda - forte
• Dimensions: W 118 cm / D 59 cm / H 114 cm
• Case: rosewood
• Serial number: 64 (1)
• Chris Maene Collection number: CM 64 215
• Location: 1 - Museum "Piano's Maene" Brussels