DATE: c. 1880's
PHOTOGRAPHER: Unknown
SUBJECT: Horace Waters & Sons (see bio below)
PROCESS: Albumen mounted
SIZE: Business card measures 3.125" x 5", mounted photo measures 3" x 3.25"
CONDITION: Large crease down middle. See photos
SHIPPING: Shipping cost is non-negotiable, please consider it when bidding/buying.
COMBINED SHIPPING: Yes, I do combine shipping. Additional shipping per item is 20% of the lower shipping cost [For example, if 2 items are purchased that have a $30 and $10 shipping cost each, the combined shipping cost becomes $32 for the 2 items]. If bidding/buying more than 1 item, please wait for an invoice with combined shipping before paying.
Horace Waters & Sons was a well-known piano and organ manufacturer based in Manhattan, New York, active primarily in the mid to late 19th century. The company was originally founded by Horace Waters in 1845, beginning as a retailer of pianos, melodeons, organs, and sheet music. He became known for making musical instruments more accessible by introducing installment payment plans.
In the 1850s, Horace Waters expanded into manufacturing his own instruments, particularly organs and melodeons. After the Civil War, pianos were added to their product line. In the 1860s, his sons joined the business, and the name was changed to Horace Waters & Sons.
By the 1880s, they were producing their own line of pianos under the family name, and their instruments were considered reliable and of good quality. In 1886, the firm became Horace Waters & Company. After Horace Waters passed away in 1893, his sons continued the operation.
The company operated a showroom and offices at 134 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, a prominent location during the piano manufacturing boom in New York City. They eventually began producing player pianos and continued under various brand names into the early 20th century. Around 1930, the company was absorbed into the Janssen Piano Company, which continued to use the Waters name for several more years.