W. Ritmüller & Sohn

W. Ritmüller & Sohn AG was a piano manufacturer originated in Göttingen, Germany.

History

In the late 18th century, Andreas Georg Ritmüller and his son, Gottlieb Wilhelm Ritmüller (1772-1829),[1] began production of lutes, guitars, and harps in Göttingen.[2] In 1795, the production of piano began in their workshop, and after the father's death in c. 1800, the company was officially named "G. W. Ritmüller."[2]

Two sons of Gottlieb Wilhelm Ritmüller, Johann Wilhelm (born 1802) and Johann Martin (born 1803), joined the company.[2] Gottlieb Wilhelm Ritmüller died in 1829, and the company was renamed "W. Ritmüller & Sohn."[2]

The company became bankrupt in 1890 and was sold.[3] With changing owners and partners, the production continued in Göttingen and later in Berlin.[3] The company was converted into GmbH in 1901, then AG in 1920.[4] After financial difficulties, in 1929, the facilities were leased to Gebr. Niendorf Pianofortefabrik AG [de].[4] In 1933, W. Ritmüller & Sohn AG was liquidated.

In 1990, the Pearl River Piano Group in China registered the trademark "Ritmüller" in Germany,[5] then worldwide, and have used the brand name "Ritmüller" for their premium pianos since 1997, however this brand has no connection to W. Ritmüller & Sohn.[3][6]'

References

  1. ^ Städtisches Museum Göttingen. "Ritmüller-Gitarre" (in German). Retrieved 2018-08-17.
  2. ^ a b c d Varner, P. "History Of The Piano — Ritmüller". Houston Piano Company. Retrieved 2018-08-17.
  3. ^ a b c Sammlung (2017-07-07). "Ein Klavier geht auf die Reise" (in German). Städtisches Museum Göttingen. Retrieved 2018-08-17.
  4. ^ a b "W. Ritmüller & Sohn GmbH Pianoforte-Fabrik". HWPH AG. Retrieved 2018-08-17.
  5. ^ "DE1162834 - Ritmüller". World Intellectual Property Organization. Retrieved 2018-08-17.
  6. ^ "Ritmüller USA". Retrieved 2018-08-17.