Creation Date

1930s

Description

Instrument, Keyboard: Portable keyboard instrument, intended for practicing or instruction. The instrument is contained within a wood case wrapped in a black fabric material. Two metal clasps secure the case together on one side and three metal hinges allow it to open on the other. In between the two clasps in a worn and peeling leather handle. When the case is open, a metal brace unfolds to support the lid on the instrument's left side. The inside of the case's lid is lined with light green paper, which appears to be giving off a residue or dust. In the center of the inside lid is printed in gold script "Laukandt Pianette Company / RED WING, MINNESOTA / PATENT PENDING." A scalloped gold box surrounds the words. 
The keyboard features 29 keys- spanning 4 octaves. The keys are made of painted wood and several appear to be stuck in either a depressed or upright position. When a key is pushed, a bell-like ring is produced, similar to the sound of a glockenspiel. If one assumes that the center "C" key is tuned to C4 the following keys are stuck in a depressed position: A2, C5, and C6. The following keys are stuck in an upright position: G2, B2, A5, B5.
The keyboard reportedly belonged to and was created by Bernhard Frank Laukandt (1870-1958), who was a professor and director of the Conservatory of Music at the Lutheran Ladies Seminary in Red Wing. A quick internet search results in a 1933 patent of a very similar portable keyboard instrument attributed to Laukandt- patent number US2083235A.