- Steinway & Sons’ agent Philip Kompff buys a Chickering piano, expecting to discover Steinway & Sons patent infringement.
- William Steinway’s diary: “Chickering Upright No 48.611 at $390. a hasty examination reveals the fact that, our accoustic Dowel Patent, our Cupola, our Pier frame patent, and the flange patent has been infringed.” So begins William Steinway’s quest to sue Chickering, Weber, Hale, as well as a few smaller piano manufacturers (Gabler, Schoninger, Fischer), for patent infringement. Being a thorough and proper businessman, he contacts the infringing manufacturers first, informing them of the infringement.