These pianos were built to be airdropped onto WWII battlefields
During WWII, government restrictions on critical raw materials like wood, iron, copper, and brass prevented the manufacture of everyday products to prioritize products for the war effort. Founded in
These pianos were built to be airdropped onto WWII battlefields
During WWII, government restrictions on critical raw materials like wood, iron, copper, and brass prevented the manufacture of everyday products to prioritize products for the war effort. Founded in 1853, long-time piano maker Steinway & Sons was forced to switch from building musical instruments to parts for troop transport gliders. Steinway's New York factory was also contracted to manufacture caskets for the National Casket Company during the war. Luckily, the company's musical expertise would be called upon to provide a more uplifting service to the troops than caskets.
In late 1941, the US War Production Board sent a request to Steinway for the production of heavy-duty military-grade pianos. Theodore E. Steinway, the company's fourth president and grandson of company founder Henry E. Steinway, recognized the importance of music to boost morale on the battlefront. Moreover, Steinway had four sons and several nephews serving in the military during the war. Grateful at the opportunity to return to piano production and bring music to the troops, Steinway launched the company headfirst into military pianos.
After a short development period, the first prototype pianos were ready for government inspection in June 1942. Called Victory Verticals, the military piano project was headed by Paul H. Bilhuber. A former Steinway factory manager, Bilhuber was promoted to vice president in 1941. To prepare the instruments for the harsh conditions of the frontlines, they received a number of special treatments and modifications. The verticals were treated with anti-termite and anti-insect solutions and sealed with a water-resistant glue to combat dampness and humidity. Handles were installed under the keybed and in the back that allowed the 455-pound pianos to be carried by four soldiers. Victory Verticals also lacked front legs which were deemed too delicate for the battlefield.
Certain conventional piano materials were replaced on the Victory Verticals. Copper was still a restricted war material, so soft iron was used for windings on bass strings instead of copper. Additionally, the traditional ivory keys would have peeled off in tropical climates, so the keys were made of white celluloid instead. Finally, the beautiful and reflective polish of a performance piano had no place on the battlefield. Instead, Victory Verticals were given three coats of lacquer and