The History of Lighte, Newton, and Bradbury Pianos

The history of Lighte, Newton, and Bradbury is actually quite an interesting one, riddled with many partnership changes. Years before Lighte, Newton, and Bradbury became a company, there was just F.C. Lighte. Lighte founded F.C. Lighte and Company in 1848 and began producing pianos. Located on Canal Street in New York City, Lighte soon entered into a partnership with a Mr. Newton and the two produced pianos together for several years before they acquired a third partner. 

Mr. Bradbury joined the company in 1853 and the three men ran a modestly successful piano venture until 1857 when Newton left the partnership. Several years later in 1861, Bradbury also left and started his own company: the Bradbury Piano Company. The life of the Lighte, Newton, and Bradbury Piano Company was short-lived – lasting just four years from 1853-1857. [1] 

About Lighte, Newton, and Bradbury Pianos

Because the partnership of these three men was so short-lived and tumultuous, little information is available about the sound and quality of these instruments. However, one of their piano models did win an award for Best Piano in 1855 at the Connecticut State Agricultural Society, so they were likely well-made instruments. 

Restoring a Lighte, Newton, and Bradbury Piano

If you have a question about restoring a Lighte, Newton, and Bradbury piano, or other antique piano, please reach out to Lindeblad Pianos today. We would love to evaluate your instrument as a candidate for restoration!

References: 

[1] Pierce, W. Robert. Pierce Piano Atlas: Anniversary Edition, 2017 Our 70th Year. Albuquerque: Ashley, 2017. Print.

Images: 

http://www.fordpiano.com/history-gallery/light-newton-bradbury/

https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=293119