William Cumston
patent issued 1839
piano maker
inventor
partner
Biography
William Cumston was described as a very practical piano maker who had built up an excellent record as an inventor before joining Hallet & Allen in partnership. A patent credited to him, issued in 1839, related to a damper improvement in square pianos. His admission to the firm, following Henry Allen's withdrawal, led to the formation of Hallet & Cumston, which the text describes as having continued unchanged in title for over forty years as a popular-priced instrument maker. He was the father of James Cumston, who later controlled the firm.
Highlights
- A very practical piano maker with an excellent record as an inventor
- Held a patent issued in 1839 for a damper improvement in square pianos
- Joined Hallet & Allen as partner, giving rise to the firm Hallet & Cumston
Source
Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 167, 168.
Public domain.