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, guiters, 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 bunkrapt in 1890 and 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 Niendorf Flügel- und Klavierfabrik.[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 pianos since 1997.[3][6]

References

  1. ↑ Städtisches Museum Göttingen. "Ritmüller-Gitarre" (in German). Retrieved 2018-08-17.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Varner, P. "History Of The Piano — Ritmüller". Houston Piano Company. Retrieved 2018-08-17.
  3. 1 2 3 Sammlung (2017-07-07). "Ein Klavier geht auf die Reise" (in German). Städtisches Museum Göttingen. Retrieved 2018-08-17.
  4. 1 2 "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.
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