Johannes Pohlman Square Pianos

Johannes Pohlman was a pianoforte maker much revered as one of the original craftsmen from Germany, collectively known as one of the twelve apostles – although the term and number of twelve is heavily disputed!  What is clear is that pianoforte building in Saxony had all but disappeared by 1760, possibly due to the seven years war.  At about this time a group of piano makers which included Johannes Zumpe travelled to England.  Before long anyone who wanted to keep up with the fashion, possessed one of these latest pianofortes as a matter of course.  Johannes Pohlman catered for this need, as Zumpe was struggling to keep up with demand. 

Typically Pohlman’s instruments had three hand stops, two for sustaining the treble or base and the third as a lute effect.  The action he developed even acquired the name English Single Action.  He made both 59 and 61-note keyboards and these instruments are becoming increasingly rare and much sought after.

We were therefore very lucky to have in our Auction Sale of the 4th April, a good example of his work dating from c1776.

Lot 40 - Johannes Pohlman (c1776)

A rare and early square piano in a mahogany and satinwood banded case on a trestle base. A 61-note keyboard with an English Single Action. The fascia bearing the inscription Johannes Pohlman, Londini, Fecit 1776.

Hammer Price:  £2,500.