F.Kaim & Sohn Transposer Curiosity (c.1875)

This piano was cut down to make a model size display. Unlike the other transposers in the collection, this system was intended to be operated by hand as opposed to a rack and pinion control. To choose one of the six available settings, the operator would lift the keyslip up to expose the rack and the alignment pins. The keyboard can then be slid out from the rack and the pins aligned to a new position. The piano action stays put and the far end of the keys now line up with new stickers. Another unusual feature of this piano is the secondary set of dampers. The action has customary dampers and then a set of 'birdcage' type dampers over the top of the hammers.