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Chase Piano Company

The Chase Piano Company of Richmond, Indiana was active in the piano manufacturing industry from 1878 – 1884.  The firm has its roots as far back as 1863 when George L Trayser began building pianos in Riply, Ohio.  In 1872, Trayser moved his firm to Richmond Indiana as “The Trayser Piano Company”.  In September 1877, The Valley Gem Piano Company of Ripley, Ohio merged with The Trayser Piano Company (including Milo J. Chase and 16 workmen).  The Trayser Piano Company made the Trayser upright, the Valley Gem Square Grand and the Chase Square Grand.  November 1877 marked the opening of the “Trayser-Chase” Warerooms at Main and Pearl in Richmond.

George Trayser retired in 1878 and sold his interest in the company to Milo J. Chase.  The firm was renamed “The Chase Piano Company”.  The firm built a brand new, four-story factory along the Whitewater River, building 10 – 15 pianos each week.  The Chase Piano Company employed 150 people by 1883.

The Chase Piano Company primarily built higher quality square grand pianos.  The “Chase Piano Company” name was discontinued in 1884 when the firm was sold to James M. Starr.

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Chase Piano Company Advertisement
Late 19th Century Advertisement for the Chase Piano Company, Richmond Indiana