M&H butterfly grand

[VOCE88@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 11/17/98 8:14:47 PM Eastern Standard Time, Wimblees@AOL.COM
writes:

> The choir room of a church has a M&H buttefly grand. I have only seen one
>  other such instrument.
>  
>  Does anyone know how many butterflies M&H made?
>  
>  Willem Blees
>  
Bill -

I have heard many people refer to the Mason & Hamlin symmetrical grands as
butterflies. I assume you mean this. The symmetrical grand has the tail in the
middle of the piano, but unlike the Wurlitzer butterfly, has one lid that
lifts as a normal grand would. (The Wurlitzer actually had 2 lids that lifted
to form "wings" )

This piano was built by Aeolian and was also made under the name of Chickering
and Knabe. I have seen about a dozen of them and for a 4' 10" grand - they
really kick. I believe the symmetrical design was originally patented by
Richard Gertz in 1906 (?).

If this piano is larger than 5' or so, then it may be a very rare piano,
because, as far as I know, Mason never marketed such a piano. Though a few may
have been built. E mail back with more info. I am intrigued.

Richard Galassini
Cunningham Piano Co
1 800 394 1117

PS - All the Aeolian sym. pianos that I have seen have s.g. on the plate
somewhere.