David Decker
German
Biography
David Decker was born in Germany, where he learned the piano-making craft before emigrating. In New York he worked in several leading shops and held good positions before, together with his brother John Jacob Decker, founding Decker Brothers in 1862. Described as 'an inventor of marked ability,' he held numerous patents recorded in Washington, including No. 25,393 (September 13, 1859), No. 38,731 (June 2, 1863), No. 45,818 (June 10, 1865), and No. 61,612 (January 28, 1867), the last taken out jointly with his brother. Two of his earlier patents had by 1890 been superseded by more modern improvements. David Decker retired from the business several years before this account was written.
Highlights
- Co-founded Decker Brothers in 1862 with his brother John Jacob Decker.
- Held numerous patents, including Nos. 25,393 (1859), 38,731 (1863), 45,818 (1865), and 61,612 (1867, jointly with J. J. Decker).
- Retired from business several years before 1890.
Source
Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 249, 250.
Public domain.