John J. Wise established his piano manufacturing firm in Baltimore, Maryland in 1829.  Wise built a limited number of square grand pianos and melodeons that were known to be of very good quality.  In 1860, the name of the firm was changed to J. J. Wise & Brother, and instruments were built under the name of J. J. Wise & Brother, John Wise & Brother, and Baltimore Piano Factory. During the 1860s, the firm is listed at 31 Hanover Street. The company went out of business in 1877, and their instruments are exceedingly rare today.