William Knabe (1803-1864), Piano Maker

Born in Kreutzberg, Germany, William Knabe started Knabe and Gaehle with Henry Gaehle in 1839. The piano factory was located at 13 South Liberty Street at the corner of German Street in Baltimore, Maryland. The last Knabe and Gaehle piano was produced in 1854.

Well known owners of Knabe pianos include Robert E. Lee, Woodrow Wilson and Francis Scott Key. Francis Scott Key special ordered his Knabe and Gaehle (#1053) in 1840, one year before this piano was manufactured.

Trivia Question: What is the connection between Francis Scott Key and Herbert Hoover? Both owned Knabe pianos and President Herbert Hoover approved the "Star Spangled Banner" as the national anthem in 1931.