April 30, 1861

Steinway & Sons’ new partnership agreement, signed three months before Albert Steinway turns twenty one, states that in case of Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg’s death or retirement, “Albert Steinweg shall be accepted as his successor by the other three or any surviving copartners” – thereby denying Albert the partnership in the company until the death of his father. (Notwithstanding this agreement, Albert Steinway will become the partner in Steinway & Sons four years later, before the death of Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg, but after the deaths of his brothers Henry, Jr. and Charles.)