Historical information

A rare travelling piano numbered no. 26 made by James Semple circa 1850s, one of only three left in the world. The piano's maker, James Semple, was a piano maker in Glasgow, from 1850-1875 and the inscription indicates that Semple held a patent for a check on the downstriking action. This little piano has a keyboard of only 4 octaves (F-f3) knee levers instead of pedals work as a moderator and damper. It was designed to provide entertainment and to accompany devotions during the long journey from the UK to Australia. The piano was named the travelling piano due to its ease of transportation with handles on each end and removable legs.

Physical description

Small wooden piano

Inscriptions & markings

"SEMPLES/ PATENT/ NON-BLOCKING/ CHECK ACTION/" "JAMES [OBSCURED]/ MANUFAC[OBSCURED] 7 STIR[OBSCURED]/ GLASGOW"