1855 – 1865

C.F. Theodor builds small upright pianos, known in America as “boudoir pianos”. To describe the instrument, C.F. Theodor has coined a term “pianino”. Through these years, over and over again, he proposes that the family sell his “pianinos” in America. C.F. Theodor’s reasons: “They would be wonderful in small New York apartments; they are popular in the South; they sound better than Erard grand, cheaper to make, exquisitly carved, etc.” C.F. Theodor is so interested in exporting “pianinos” to America, that he cuts his asking price to $200 per instrument. C.F. Theodor’s offer is rejected by the American branch of the family. In one of his letters to C.F. Theodor, Charles writes: “If you can get those prices in Germany or Russia, you would be a fool to send the instruments to America. […] It would please us greatly if you would send one of your best pianinos for our own use, at any price, so we can see what you are capable of.” C.F. Theodor has sent a “pianino” to New York, but the family never decides either to begin exporting the “pianinos”, or to manufacture them in New York.