Walter Ludwig Engelhardt
b. 1884, New York
Biography
Walter Ludwig Engelhardt, known as W. L. Engelhardt, was born in New York in 1884, the younger brother of Alfred Dolge Engelhardt. He entered his father's factory at the age of eighteen and, like his brother, became an expert in player piano construction. He took charge of the modern factories of F. Engelhardt and Sons at St. Johnsville, N.Y., while his brother handled the business side under their father's guidance. The firm was among the pioneers of coin-operated, electrical, self-playing pianos, building fourteen different models including the 'Peerless Orchestrion,' an eighty-eight-note instrument with automatic orchestral effects such as wood-pipes, drums, cymbals, and mandolin, all reproduced directly from perforated music rolls. The firm's products received top awards at several major American expositions between 1901 and 1909.
Highlights
- Born in New York in 1884; entered his father's factory at age eighteen
- Became an expert in player piano construction
- Took charge of the firm's factories at St. Johnsville, N.Y.
Source
Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. II (1913), pp. 82, 83.
Public domain.