Q:My mother and I bought an old upright piano for $95 at a garage sale. The name on the front is "James & Holmstrom Cabinet Grand." There is a brass plate on the inside that reads "James & Holmstrom Transposing Keyboard, New York, First Premium, New Orleans Exposition March 1886." It's in very good condition and plays well. What is the history of this piano?

A:Anders Holmstrom founded Holmstrom Piano Co. in New York City in 1860. L.C. James became a partner in 1874 and the name was changed to James & Holmstrom Piano Co. The transposing piano had a lever that shifted the keyboard to change the key. The first patent for a transposing piano was issued in 1801. The New Orleans Exposition originally ran from 1884 to 1885. It lost money and a second exhibition was held on the site from November 1885 to March 1886. The "First Premium," similar to a Gold Medal, was evidently awarded to this model. Jacobs Brothers Piano Co. bought James & Holmstrom in 1900 and continued to make pianos under that name until about 1920.