Conrad Narvesen established his piano business in 1847 in New York, and operated his company as a sole proprietor until he became a naturalized citizen in 1860.
In 1861 he becomes partner with Ihlseng and Lindsted and the company reorganizes as Ihlseng, Narvesen & Lindsted.
Lars G. Ihlseng was from Norway, who was a piano dealer before going into a short partnership with Narvesen.
Lindsted withdrew just two years later in 1863. The firm reorganized as Ihlseng & Narvesen and they only survived a year together which ended by the end of 1864.
Now working alone, Narvesen was later joined by his son in 1869, and they worked together until 1877.
Narvesen, once again working alone, was joined by new partners in 1880 to form Narvesen, Bergmann & Haugaard.
In 1881, Richard M. Walters purchases Narvesen’s piano business. Walters was an investor who also owned a retail business and an auction business. Narvesen, Bergmann & Haugaard all continue to work as superintendents for Walters in their respective departments.
1885 – R.M. Walters moves the company to a better location in upstate New York. His company was well known for allowing customers to purchase musical instruments in installments.
In 1889, R.M. Walters who was a popular personality, was often featured in musical magazines. His photos depict a handsome and confident business man with a prominent mustache that becomes one with his sideburns. He wore well made suits often with a flower in his lapel.
He surrounded himself with other well known people. His business manager was William Barton Stone, a well known Indianapolis composer of “The Lambs Polka”, “The Souvenirs Song”, “The Drover Waltz”, and the “Parnell Funeral March”. Walters and Stone attended many charitable events, with Stone acting as the parade Sheriff on one occasion, and was noted as being a very good horseback rider.
Walters passes away in 1902 from Typhoid fever. He passed away at his brother’s house and kept his illness secret until his death. His death came as a great shock to his friends.
I find no mention of the company after 1902, and it was most likely liquidated at this time.
I found an early ad of Narvesen and it is duplicated below:
Pianos! Pianos!
CONRAD NARVESEN
Manufacturer of
FIRST- CLASS
PIANO FORTES
71,73 & 75 East 22nd st.,
(Bet. 4th & Lexington Ave) New York.
The undersigned invites the attention of the public
And the trade generally to these celebrated instruments of his own manufacture, built of the best seasoned materials, having all the latest improvements.
FULL IRON FRAME, OVERSTRUNG BASS,
French Grand Action, Large Scale.
These piano fortes are not surpassed
For strength and beauty of finish, durability, purity, power and singing quality tone.
BY THOSE OF ANY MAKER IN THE COUNTRY.
They are warranted for the full term of 7 years.
The inspection of the musical public is respectfully solicited, Liberal Terms to Dealers, Teachers and Clergymen.
Circular price Lists sent upon application.
CONRAD NARVESEN
71, 73, & 75 EAST 22nd St., New York