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We recently acquired a 6'4" Germain Grand Piano (art case) on a trade in. We think it may be circa 1903 from a signature and date on the action rails (granted, this isn't necessarily the date of manufacture, nor a reliable way to make that determination). Initially skeptical, once we got it into the shop and went through it, not only did we find this piano is built like a tank (deeper inner rim, beams, etc. than either the restored vintage Steinway A1 or Mason AA we have on the floor), but it has survived in better condition than was originally thought. It could be a candidate for restoration. Among other things, it has an original Wessel, Nickel & Gross action, something you don't see much of these days.

We know this is an American made piano built in Saginaw, Michigan. The following is what we've been able to cobble together so far:

Pierce's - just bare bones info on the company, no stock/serial numbers.

Google+ & Internet Search - Some old Music Trade Review pages and the like have yielded a little information about the original Germain brothers starting up the company. While interesting information to have in a file, this isn't anything we can really work with regarding this specific piano.

Ancestry.com - Entry from a Tom Germain in Saginaw, who indicated his great grandfather was one of the founding brothers of the Germain Piano Company, and he had a full catalog with piano models & information. There was an email link, but after 3 inquires, still no response.

Castle Museum in Saginaw - has/had a 'Piano Manufacturers in Michigan' exhibit that included a 1910 Germain Upright & a few pictures, including one from the later Germain piano showroom in Detroit.

If you've made it this far, thanks for your perseverance. Just two more things:

1) If anyone on the forum has any information on the Germain Piano Company, the pianos/models, production numbers or suggestions for additional searches, we'd really appreciate it.

2) We've been restoring high end and historical pianos for many years - certainly know the costs and time investment required. Every aspect of our work is done in house, including the belly work. This being an American made piano with low production numbers and every bit worthy from a construction standpoint - given this piano has no branding, if it was yours, would you restore it - i.e., given current economics do you think it is worth a high level restoration on speculation - or should we just put it in the dumpster?

I've had a growing interest from artists to recycle aging grands. If restoration is not in its future, perhaps that is a 3rd alternative.

You might try contacting the Historical Society of Michigan. They might have info/history of the builder. Sometimes (longshot) a state society/museum has interest in acquiring instruments which have a direct connection.

Jerry Groot might have some info or possible suggestions for leads.

@Sam - we've also had the same inquiries re recycling.

@Marty - good ideas, thanks!

I'm sorry, I can't be of much help either. Honestly, I've never heard of Germain let alone seen one, which makes me wonder how many were actually made? Saginaw is only about 2 hours away from me. On the other hand, Grinell Brothers was made in Detroit and produced a ton of pianos. Detroit is about the same distance away but, I've seen, tuned and worked on many hundreds of those over the years.

If it's worthy of restoration, which you indicate it is, I'd hate to see it discarded. Can you post some photos? Would love to see how it looks!

Nancy,

Just a thought, but there have been many pianos that are strong in certain elements of their design but have other weaknesses that prevent the finished product from being a great piano.

You mention the structure and the fact that they spent the $$ for a WN&G action. These are definitely good things.

How well designed is the scale itself? What solutions did they use to transition from register to register? How about bridge placement and design? Belly design? How easily will you be able to achieve a balanced action?

Maybe you have already thought through these issues in your initial thoughts on this piano, but I thought I would bring them up since you didn't mention them. I have played many pianos that were great structurally, but were poorly designed in other areas.

My 2 cents,

Rich,

You have me curious. You mentioned the $$ for the WN&G action. At the turn of the century (nineteenth), were these actions more expensive than competitor's actions when used by a "small shop" builder? Was it a quality product, not unlike using Renner, in today's market?

Thanks,

The Wessel, Nickel, and Gross was a top quality product, Marty. They were located in New York City and were known for making high end piano actions. They were used in many of the most expensive pianos of the day. I believe they closed shop in 1941, or thereabouts.

I would definitely compare them to Renner and other top quality component builders today, Marty.

Wessell Nickel & Gross was absorbed by Aeolian American, and was used by them until they closed in the 1980s. I guess that was another name bought up by the Mason & Hamlin folks.

Germain Piano Co. In 1904
206 Washington Arcade
Detroit, MI
Originally 1895
Saganaw, MI
Also made Sherman and Bancroft Pianos.

That's all the Atlas has.

Thanks, Rich.

This detective work is fun. I would like to nominate the Seamstress for the Band to the position of Curator of Delightfully Obscure Pianos.

@Vince - Yep, got that. I'm also the Queen of Look Up in Pierce's Atlas.

@Marty - I accept your nomination, but does that mean I have to give up being General Manager of the Universe?

@Rich - Why, Lawdy, Lawdy, Rich. That piano is such a big 'ole thang, it has a screamin' 'beer belly'. Besides, Sugar, you know us Southern Belles don't know too much about that sort of technical stuff...

Trying to upload a couple of pics of the old girl. Have patience.

Dang it. Bear with me.

Keep trying - we are waiting with baited breath!

Meanwhile, back at Ranch Universe - Nancy, you can do all three and you wouldn't need to give up any position.

Good afternoon from Ireland.
I bought a Germain upright grand about 20 years ago.
It has had a hard life but is built like a tank.
I enjoy playing it as it has a fine tone and its
easy to keep in tune
The makers plate states
''E. Germain
Piano Co
New York and Saginaw ''
I appreciate it a a piece of art as well
it being an antique.

Your dear old Germain sounds like it needs
TLC and a new appreciative owner, so I
hope it gets restored.
Pat Higgins.
Galway, Ireland

IMO, if there was a chance this would be a fine instrument, I say restore.

But then, just look at my business name...