- On View
- Musical Crossroads Gallery
- Museum Maps
- Objects in this Location
- Exhibition
- Musical Crossroads
- Manufactured by
- Steinway & Sons, American, founded 1853
- Used by
- Thom Bell, Jamaican American, born 1943
- Subject of
- Philadelphia International Records, American, 1971 - 2001
- Date
- ca. 1900
- Medium
- wood with metal, cabled yarn and paint
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 52 3/16 × 62 1/16 × 27 1/2 in. (132.6 × 157.6 × 69.9 cm)
- Description
- An aqua blue painted upright piano used by producer and arranger Thom Bell in his office at Philadelphia International Records. The lid of the piano is hinged and can open to reveal the frame, hammer rail and hammers. At the top of the frame in the upper left corner on raised text with black paint is “STEINWAY & SONS NEW YORK HAMBURG.” On the frame back near the manufacturer’s name is the serial number in black text “96711.” (year: 1900) The top front panel of the piano is cut out with rectangle and is ridged with scalloped edges. Stylized curved upper front side board are on either side of the front. The piano has a fall board that opens to reveal the keyboard. The keyboard is caped on either side with side arms. Attached to the bottom right of the keyboard is a drawer slide on a vinyl covered wood arm. The front legs of the piano feature curved and ribbed detailing. The piano rests on four caster wheels. The bottom front panel can be opened. The back of piano features a metal screen on the top and bottom halves.
- Place used
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Musical Instruments
- Type
- upright pianos
- Topic
- Business
- Composers (Musicians)
- Popular music
- Rhythm and blues (Music)
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Legendary producer Thom Bell
- Object number
- 2015.203
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




