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Wm. Knabe & Co.

William Knabe & Company (not to be confused with Knabe Brothers) is one of the most illustrious and respected names in the American piano industry. William Knabe entered into partnership with William Henry Gaehle in 1839, forming firm of “Knabe & Gaehle” in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1854, W. H. Gaehle withdrew giving complete control to Knabe, and the name was changed to “Wm. Knabe & Company”.  Wm. Knabe & Co. built some of the finest pianos in American history. Knabe’s patents were numerous, and their many innovations aided in improving piano design and evolution well into the 20th Century.

In 1908 Knabe was purchased by The American Piano Company. During the early 20th Century the firm built some of the finest, most elaborate and expensive pianos in American history.  Knabe was so successful that it became the “Official Piano of the Metropolitan Opera” in the 1920s.

Knabe was not immune to the financial hardships of the Great Depression, and in 1932 the firm was absorbed into the conglomerate giant Aeolian-American Corporation. During this era, their factories located in Each Rochester, New York. All through the 20th Century, the Knabe name continued to be synonymous with the best in quality and workmanship.  The Knabe name was bought by the Asian piano giant Young-Chang in the 1990s, and the Knabe name is still being produced today.

INSTRUMENT CATALOGS & EPHEMERA

Can you find your instrument listed in these antique catalogs?

19th Century Advertisements For Wm. Knabe & Company
19th Century Knabe Advertisements
20th Century Knabe Advertisements
Early 20th Century Advertisements for Wm. Knabe & Company
Knabe Newspaper Article
19th Century Newspaper Article Featuring Wm. Knabe & Co., Circa 1864
Knabe Catalog 1870
Rare 19th Century Knabe Illustrated Sales Catalog w/ Price List, Circa 1870
Knabe Catalog 1911
Knabe Illustrated Sales Catalog, Circa 1911
Knabe Catalog 1915
Knabe Illustrated Sales Catalog, Circa 1917
Knabe Catalog 1923
Knabe “Art-Case” Illustrated Catalog Titled “The Piano Beautiful”, Circa 1923
Knabe 1923
Knabe Illustrated Sales Catalog, Circa 1923
Knabe Catalog 1927
Knabe Illustrated Sales Catalog, Circa 1927
Knabe 1960
Knabe Illustrated Sales Catalog, Circa 1960
RELATED INSTRUMENTS

Browse the Antique Piano instruments we have for sale!

Knabe Rosewood Victorian Concert Grand Piano

$65,000.00

During this era, Knabe the official piano of the Metropolitan Opera. Their pianos were known for having a sweet and harmonious tone that was ideal for vocal accompaniment.

Related Restorations


Click the photos below to see the amazing restoration processes