Knabe Pianos, 148-152 5th Ave., SW corner of 20th St. (2004)

Below the word "House" appears a sign for Knabe Pianos. This was a showroom for the firm founded by William Knabe (1803-1864). Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians (2001) describes Knabe as "Knabe, Valentine Wilhelm Ludwig, German-born American manufacturer; b. Kreuzberg, near Oppeln, Prussia, June 3, 1803; d. Baltimore, May 21, 1864. He settled in the U. S. in 1833. He formed a partnership to manufacture pianos with Henry Gaehle in Baltimore in 1839, which continued until the latter's death in 1855. The business was continued by Knabe's sons and grandsons until it was merged with the American Piano Co. in 1908. It became a part of the Aelian American Corp. in 1932."

William Knabe & Co. piano fortes had its first New York location at 112 5th Ave. (near 17th St.). They moved to 148-152 5th Ave. in 1890. The building has a pediment with the letters MBC standing for Methodist Book Concern. Designed by Edward Hall Kendall (1842-1901), the MBC (1888-90) contained offices for the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Missionary Society, a printing house, a daily service chapel, a library and reception rooms. The Knabe showrooms on the ground floor were rented space. Click here for image from New York Times, 20-Oct-1897, p. 2.

Around 1899 Knabe moved across 20th St. into the Presbyterian Building (1894-1895, James B. Baker, arch.) at 154-158 5th Ave. on the northwest corner of 5th Ave. and 20th St. They remained at this location until 1907 when they moved up 5th Ave. again to the southeast corner of 39th St. (437-439 5th Ave.) The building at 39th St. can be seens in an excellent view by the Wurts Brothers (undated but probably 1930s) on the New York Public Library's Digital Gallery. This move was followed in 1927 with removal to their own Knabe Building at 657 5th Ave. on the northeast corner of 52nd St. Click here for image from New York Times, 14-Apr-1927, p. 5. AMPICO at the top of this ad presumably stands for American Piano Company; by this date Knabe was only a brand name.

This sign dates between 1890 and 1899.

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