J G Irmler Baby Grand

[jojooneill]

Hi All,

I recently purchased a baby grand Irmler piano (or was listed as a baby grand) and I would like some further information about the history of the piano if anyone has any information? I do have a few photos too but unfortunately the upload tool isn't working. I will try again later or can email photos to another email account. I would say it's in poor condition but I liked it anyway!

- Number listed is 14386
- second number listed is 73872
- 'Wer nieht strebt, der nicht lebt' is engraved, second half translating as 'does not live'.
- 1818 date can be seen
- Herzogs Saehsen is listed (roughly translated to Duke)
- Hoflieferant (roughly translated as Purveyor)

I've tried the usual avenues of information but can only find history of the Irmler family and company rather than piano ages etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Bill Kibby]

The problem may be that your pictures are too big, try reducing them to 50% or even 25%. Otherwise, email them to me.

The larger number suggests about 1902, but I can't say if that is likely without seeing it. 1818 is just the date they were established.

The term "baby grand" was not used that early, and I am assuming that (1) it is a grand rather than a square piano, and (2) that it is unlikely to be small enough to call a baby grand if it is 1878.

Try searching for "square piano" on google images.

[Bill Kibby]

It is clear from the photos that the serial number of your piano is 14386, and the published information suggests a date 1902, and not 1878 as I said before.