Aeolian Co. - 1924 dated French Stock Certificate - Manufacturer of Musical Instruments

Stock. Famous "Aeolian" organs. Great!

The Aeolian Company was a manufacturer of musical instruments, producing items such as player organs, pianos, sheet music, records, and phonographs. Established in 1887, it once held the title of the largest firm of its kind in the world. In the mid-20th century, it overtook Kimball to become the leading supplier of pianos in the United States, having secured contracts with Steinway & Sons to implement its Duo-Art system in Steinway pianos. The company ceased operations in 1985.

The Aeolian Company was initiated by William B. Tremaine, a piano maker from New York City, originally as the Aeolian Organ & Music Co. (1887) to produce automatic organs and, after 1895, automatic pianos under the name Aeolian Co. The initial manufacturing site was in Meriden, Connecticut. Tremaine had earlier established the Mechanical Orguinette Co. in 1878 to create automated reed organs. The production of residence or "chamber" organs, designed to entertain in the mansions of affluent individuals, proved to be a highly lucrative venture, allowing Aeolian to dominate this market segment and avoid the intense competition associated with church organ manufacturing, which had limited profit margins. Residence organs often featured intricate cases and consoles. In various installations, the pipes were concealed behind tapestries, positioned under or above staircases, or emitted sound from the basement through grilles or tone chutes. Additionally, the company produced organettes and player pump organs aimed at the working class.