- The opening of Weltausstellung 1873 Wien (Vienna Exposition). In the absence of Steinway & Sons pianos, C.F. Theodor Steinweg makes himself an “exhibit” at the Vienna Exhibition.
- Three of the Exhibition judges have served in that capacity also during the Paris exhibition six years previously, in 1867, and are friends of Steinway & Sons: pianomaker Julius Schiedmayer from Stuttgart, musicologist Eduard Hanslick from Vienna, and Leipzig University Professor Dr. Oscar Paul who, in addition to being a judge, is also the official reporter of the jury. Over 2/3 of the pianos exhibited in Vienna are imitations of Steinway & Sons instruments.