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Vol. 86 July 18, 2026 No. 19

John F. Nunns

piano maker inventor

Biography

John F. Nunns, a member of the Nunns family of New York piano makers, was granted a patent for a square piano action on May 5, 1831, incorporating improvements that anticipated some later patented in Paris by Erard. Between 1832 and 1836 he operated a separate piano-making establishment at 57 Orchard Street, distinct from the main firm run by his relatives Robert and William Nunns.

Highlights

  • Patented a square piano action on May 5, 1831, anticipating improvements later patented in Paris by Erard
  • Operated a separate piano shop at 57 Orchard Street, New York, between 1832 and 1836

Source

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 151, 152.

Public domain.

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