J.L. Duysen, Berlin

[Vicki Purvis]

Good Day, I am interested in learning about the J.L. Duysen upright piano my parents purchased in the early 1960's while stationed in Germany. At the time of purchase they were told by the farmers that the piano was very old. The piano's serial # is 3849. Below is how the piano is labeled:

J.L Duysen.
Hof-Piano-Forte Fabrikant.Berlin

The wood is very unique and there are swinging candle holders on each side. At both sides of the above label there are gold medallions affixed that refer to Franz Joseph I. Kaiser Von Oesterrich. Konig Von Boehmen Etc. Apost. Koenig Von Uncarn. & Dem Fortschritte Weltausstellung 1875 Wein

I would appreciate any information regarding the piano. Best regards

[Bill Kibby]

I have nothing ready on computer about Duysen, apart from dates of serial numbers. This one suggests 1877. I'll see what else I can find. See
http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-gen/reports.html

[Vicki Purvis]

Mr. Kibby,

Thank you so much for your reply. There is an address for J.L. Duysen at 219. Friedrichs Strasse 219, Berlin located on a label attached on the inside of the string frame. From what I have been reading about pianos this piano has a straight strung frame and a overdamper system. I will go to the suggested site and provide you with more detailed information within the next few days.

Thank you so much for your time!

Best regards,

[StefanD]

I also have a J.L. Duysen piano that has the "J.L Duysen Hof-Piano-Forte Fabrikant.Berlin " stamp on the frame. The serial number is 14033 and it's a beautiful, dark stained upright piano. It has a remarkably good sound as well. I don't suppose you would be able to give me an approximate date of manufacture?

[Colin Nicholson]

The serial number suggests around 1926 - 1927. Their serial numbers after 1922 seem to be quite erratic and large gaps between certain years. Duysen were established in 1860.

[vernon]

obviously well before 1914 as that was when the "King of Hungary" was sacked.
World Fair of 1875 would suggest to me a date shortly after if there is no other medal awarded at a subsequent Exhibition.
You can often date old Bluthners by the the list of medals they won.

[Bill Kibby]

I think Vernon is talking about the earlier posting, not the last one, which is probably a piano of about 1925.

[vernon]

While the number suggests the 1920's I am intrigued about the reported stamp " Hof..."
"Hof" of course means virtually "by appointment to the Court"
There wasn't one of them either then because Adolf's was on the rampage and the Weimar Republic was sort of in charge,not the Kaiser who was working out his notice in Holland.
Wouldn't have thought it a good marketing ploy to claim royal connections in the 1920s political climate.
I suppose they were using up old stock

[StefanD]

This is a link to an image of a different piano but it has basically the same stamp on it. Mine is on the metal frame. http://images03.olx.ru/ui/1/97/25/15719225_3.jpg

Thanks for the date information though. Much appreciated. I've basically had this piano for about 25 years and never really looked up the history of it. It really is a lovely instrument, needs a bit of a tune though. I suspect I will need to look up the services of someone a little more local though