F. W. Patzschke
German
inventor
hatter
felt manufacturer
Biography
F. W. Patzschke, a hatter by trade, began experimenting in 1847 with producing tapered felt suitable for piano hammers, an innovation with no established market yet. Lacking capital to develop it, he appealed to the Leipsic merchant Weickert, who agreed to advance funds. For several years the results proved disappointing, discouraging Patzschke and forcing Weickert to assume direct control and management of the enterprise, which Weickert then built into a dominant felt-manufacturing business. Patzschke's son's family, the Patzschkes, continued to provide the firm's technical management for generations afterward.
Highlights
- A hatter by trade who in 1847 began experimenting with producing tapered felt for piano hammers
- Lacking capital, appealed to the merchant Weickert for financing; when results were disappointing for several years he was forced to cede control to Weickert
Source
Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), p. 240.
Public domain.