The majority of these piano insulators were produced in the late 19C and early 20C, although the first one that was advertised was in 1850. The first ones claimed to improve a piano’s tone by ‘obtaining a perfect vibration, a delicious sweetness of tone with such increased power and brilliancy as are truly admirable, which can never be obtained from a piano standing on a carpeted floor, the deadening effect of which cannot be successfully overcome without them. Price 6s. the set. James Barlow, inventor and manufacturer, 14 King William St, Mansion House’. This was taken from the Nottinghamshire Guardian 1850.
There appears to be a difference of opinion as to what they really were invented for, the options being – to improve the quality of the sound, to protect the floor and/or its covering or to avoid the piano becoming damp. Or there is a school of thought that thinks the insulators inhibited the vibrations from a piano whilst it was being played. It is debatable as to whether the insulators actually did improve the tone of the piano.
On the 6th August 1904 in the Grey River Argus there is a patent application for Stewart and Millar of Christchurch for a piano insulator.
In the Lyttelton Times dated 19th September 1904 there is an advertisement entitled ‘The Wonder of the Age’ It goes on to state that ‘The improved Insulator for Pianos and Organs. Better tone, greater vibration< more volume of sound. Acknowledged by the leading musicians to be a great improvement on the glass insulator. Stands perfectly firm and finds its own level when placed. Sold by Patentees and Agents, Murray and Co., Cashel St., R. Williams, 176 Colombo St’.
Green, apparently was the most popular colour and the other colours that the insulators can be found in are amber, blue, yellow and clear. They are collectors’ items for some.
www.heartofglass.uk/2021/03/26/piano-insulators
www.paperspast.natlib.govt.nz
This insulator was made in Denmark. The insulator belongs to the website owner.
From Papers Past Marlborough Express 6th December 1885.
The following is taken from the Cromwell Argus dated 11th February 1879.
