IMPROVEMENTS IN OR APPERTAINING TO PIANOFORTES AND THE CONSTRUCTION THEREOF."
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Oliver, of No. 7, Seymour St., Liverpool, in the
County of Lancaster, for the Invention of " IMPROVEMENTS IN OR APPERTAINING
TO PIANOFORTES AND THE CONSTRUCTION THEREOF."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Oliver at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th December 1877.
GEORGE OLIVER, of No. 7, Seymour St., Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN OR APPERTAINING TO PIANOFORTES AND THE CONSTRUCTION
THEREOF."
In a pianoforte, as ordinarily constructed, the back or framework is composed of
wood. Now I have found that steel makes a much more brilliant and full tone,
much lighter for an equivalent strength, and is less likely to shrink or break, and
is every way superior; as too the steel back and steel wires expand, widely varying
temperature has no effect on the tone, and consequently my pianos have a good
tone at all ordinary temperatures, instead of varying like others do. I accordingly
make my back of Bessemer or other steel bars rivetted together. These bars are
preferably of bridge iron or tram rail section.
The bent side and bottom plate I construct of one piece, and rivet the bracings to
the back of it. These can be made of tee, or angle iron, or other sections, but I
prefer bridge iron, or the section of a "Vignoles," or bridge rail in minature to any
other form. An angle or tee iron is rivetted to the bracings to bear the rest
plank.

page_text: The top bridge, and sometimes other parts, are also made of steel, preferably tee
iron.
Everything being steel, I have little doubt that these pianofortes will remain in
tune much longer than others, besides being cheaper to construct.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said George Oliver in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 28th June
1878.
GEORGE OLIVER, of No. 7, Seymour Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN OR APPERTAINING TO PIANOFORTES AND THE CONSTRUCTION
THEREOF.
"
In a pianoforte, as ordinarily constructed, the back or framework is composed of
wood. Now I have found that steel makes a much more brilliant and.full tone, is
much lighter for an equivalent strength, less likely to shrink or break, and is in
every way superior; as too the steel back and steel wires expand equally, widely
varying temperature has no effect on the tone, and consequently my pianos have a
good tone at all ordinary temperatures, instead of varying like others do. I
accordingly make my back of Bessemer or other steel, homogeneous metal, or
wrought-iron bars rivetted together. These bars are preferably of bridge or tram-
way rail section.
The bent side and bottom plate I construct of one piece, and rivet the bracings to
the back of it. These can be made of T, or angle, or other section, but I prefer
bridge shaped, or the section of a Vignoles," or bridge rail in miniature to any
A piece of angle or T section is rivetted to the bracings to bear the
other form.
rest plank.
"
The top bridge and sometimes other parts are also made of steel, preferably of T
section.
Everything being steel, homogeneous metal, or wrought iron, I have little doubt
that these pianofortes will remain in tune much longer than others, besides being
cheaper to construct.
Fig. 3, sectional plan.
Although the sections commonly known in the case of iron as bridge, rail,
channel, and angle iron are here used, I do not bind myself to these special 3.
sections, but may use T section or other shapes, the main points being lightness
and stiffness.
Having now described my Invention, and the best mode known to me of carrying

page_text: it into effect, I wish it to be understood that what I believe to be new and desire
to claim under the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,―
1st. The manufacture of pianoforte backs built up of steel, homogeneous metal, or
wrought-iron bars in whole or in part.
2nd. The special construction of pianoforte backs, substantially as shown and
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Oliver, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty-sixth day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
Witness,
JOHN HAYES,
Apprentice to W. P. Thompson,
Patent Agent,
6, Lord Street,
Liverpool.
GEORGE OLIVER. (LS.)