Cristofori

Bartolomo Cristofori was born 4 May 1655 in Padua, Italy. He was the genius who invented of the piano. Remarkable to come up with a novel idea and set about putting it together despite there being no particular reason for the effort beyond the process and excitement of creating something new. 

The first written mention of anything remotely like a piano was in an inventory of the Medici collection of instruments in 1700. Cristofori's ‘piano’ is described in some detail, though at the time, the instrument was called an ‘Arpicembalo’ which roughly translates as a ‘harp-harpsichord.’ Cristofori’s main day job was to care for the many instruments owned by the Medici family, so work on improving his invention was by no means a full-time pursuit. However, the Medici inventory not only includes the Cristofori instrument but also provides hints of its distinct features.

Constantly seeking to refine his project, the concept for his piano action was more or less complete by 1707 but his prototype model was not exhibited until 1711 - now called a “piano e forte.” 1709, generally, was the year given for the invention of the piano - so difficult to be precise in these matters but in terms of a working example, 1709 would be about right. 

By 1720 his ideas had developed further still - the case was strengthened to cope with the greater tension of the strings, and the action improvements allowed the performer an increased range of dynamic expression. 

The dominance of the clavichord and harpsichord in the world of keyboard instruments was destined to give way to this new, groundbreaking instrument.

Prince Ferdinando, Cristofori's patron, died at the age of 50 in 1713 but Cristofori continued to work for the Medici court. When the inventory of the musical instrument collection was updated in 1716, Cristofori was now the curator of the collection.

The prosperity of the Medici princes during the early part of the 18th century was waning markedly, and Cristofori began selling his work to others. At least one of his instruments was sold to the King of Portugal.

By the 1720s, Cristofori’s pianos embodied most of the features of the modern instrument though still of very light construction. Without the strength of a metal frame, it could never produce a powerful, bright tone. 

Up until nearly the end of his life, Cristofori continued to make improvements to his pianos. He died in Florence, 27 January 1731 at the age of 75. He may not have been wealthy in material things but he left the world endowed with the extraordinary gift of the piano. Ever since, the world has been blessed - and made a better place because of it!

©Steve Burden

Allison Piano Serial Nos.

Year	Serial No.	Year	Serial No.
1890	21000	1924	48400
1892	22600	1926	49800
1894	24200	1928	50800
1896	24700	1930	52000
1898	25800	1932	53000
1900	29000	1934	53800
1902	30000	1936	54800
1904	32000	1938	55800
1906	34000	1940	56800
1908	36000	1942	57000
1910	38000	1947	57100
1912	40600	1949	57520
1914	41600	1951	59000
1916	42800	1953	57900
1918	44400	1955	58095
1920	46000	1957	58300
1922	47200	1959	58700

It is remarkable that data on piano serial numbers has survived so well for over a century. However, some inaccuracies are inevitable. These serial numbers are to be used only as a rough guide to a piano's age. An exact date does not make a material difference to a piano assessment. To be within 2 to 5 years is accurate enough to give an informed report on a piano.

Gaveau Piano Serial Nos.

Year	Serial No.	Year	Serial No.
1900	33800	1950	102000
1905	43000	1952	104000
1910	51500	1954	105500
1915	61900	1956	107100
1920	66100	1958	108653
1922	69400	1960	110380
1924	74600	1962	111741
1926	80400	1964	112811
1928	84300	1967	114012
1930	88400	1970	115662
1932	90200	1972	116800
1934	92500	1974	118000
1936	93500	1976	119200
1938	94500	1978	120300
1940	95100	1980	121100
1942	96600	1982	121800
1944	97300	1984	122100
1946	98100	1986	122300
1948	100000	1988	122500

It is remarkable that data on piano serial numbers has survived so well for over a century. However, some inaccuracies are inevitable. These serial numbers are to be used only as a rough guide to a piano's age. An exact date does not make a material difference to a piano assessment. To be within 2 to 5 years is accurate enough to give an informed report on a piano.