1907 Lester Cabinet
Grand
Greg's Antique Piano Collection
The Lester Piano Company made pianos in Lester, Pennylsvania, near
Philadelphia. The company was founded in 1888. In the Philadelphia area at that time were
a number of piano companies, all of which stuck to traditional Quaker values of
craftsmanship. Lester made pianos there until 1960 using both the Lester name, and the
Betsy Ross Spinet piano. Until 1936, they also made pianos under the names Schubert,
Bellaire, Alden, Channing, Leonard & Co., Regent Schilling, Gounod, and Lawrence.
This piano was made in 1907. I am in the process of
refinishing the case on this one. It is finished in Mahogany, but at some time in the
past, it was painted (with many, many coats) an antique blue. This instrument was found in
the warehouse of the local piano moving company. They had been storing it for several
years, and were looking to clear out some room, so I became the lucky owner of this piece
of history!
This particular instrument has some rather interesting carvings on
it. The front has a crest in the center, and two dragons, one on each side, facing each
other. Also, the ends of the instrument are carved in a 'window pane' fashion. Keep
checking back, as I will update this page on my progress.
Click on an image below for a full size picture:
     
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