Serial number: 20300. This is a lovely example of the Otto Bach make. Although it has the typical Classic Otto Bach structure, the frames in the top and bottom panel together with the lighter casing, a walnut finish, make it far more refined.
The DE 261 Otto Bach (re-branded Hausmann) Upright Pianoforte with stool is available for hire and sale.
Hire price: a launch charge of R 1 550.00 and a monthly charge of R 425.00.
Sale price: …to be added soon.
“We don’t experience light, colour, and gesture in a vacuum. We experience it in contexts.”
Jay Maisel
Here are some more photographs of this piano. It is remarkable how disparate it looks in different lighting.
It is rather strange that the piano has been branded or re-labelled a Hausmann. What was the point of changing the name of the piano?
Hausmann pianos were manufactured during the 1800’s in New York, America by “Hausmann & Company”, but the company was closed by 1873 so it is highly unlikely we will be seeing many -if any – of these pianos. They have also been manufactured in Germany and we are of the impression that others have been manufactured in England, showing features associated with Welmar and parts that would have been manufactured in England.
This is certainly not one of these Hausmann pianos!
Potentially, Hausmann pianos – however many – may have been manufactured, or at least rebranded Hausmann – in the Dietman Factory, in the Western Cape, South Africa.
The frames in its structure are identical to Gors and Kallmann as well as the Classic Model Otto Bach produced in this factory. However, the Gors and Kallmann pianos have 3 pedals, and this one only has 2.
As time allows, we will explore the origins of Hausmann pianos further.
