Topic: Piano rest/ insulator with maker's mark

[Anne E.B.]

Just a quickie - first time I've come across a piano rest with a mark on the top side:-  the letter M with the letter C underneath, in a rectangle. Any ideas who it could be please?

[Frank]

A pic would help as there are a lot of different types

[Catisfaction]

There's a CM mark which is Cristales de Mexico but this doesn't sound like something that would be  mexican.
The WC westmoreland glass mark could look like a CM if viewed from the wrong direction.

[Bernard C]

Anne — Interesting, and new to me (I think).   Another to add to the Dawkins and Thomas insulators.   Any chance of a photograph or two?

Bernard C. 

[Anne E.B.]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/glassie/pianorest001.jpg

Thanks everyone 

Just taken this pic. before seeing your posting Bernard, but if any more required, I'll be happy to do more.  Measurements: 3 & a half inches diam. x 1 & a half inches high.  The mark is very difficult to see and on my own gallery pic. it is quite clear, but not so when seen here.  I think the 'rectangle' that I initially described, is more like a shield shape.

[josordoni]

Can someone remind me why pianos needed insulators?

[Frank]

To stop the wheels sinking into a wooden floor. But it is just 'Piano rest' Insulator is another possibility as the objects purpose.

[David E]

Also sound insulation, I believe.

[josordoni]

Ah, I see.  The floor I had understood, thanks Frank, it was the insulation bit I was lost on. 

Yes, David, I can see that an insulator might cause all the sound waves to come from the piano into the room rather than down the legs through the floor.

Physics was my worst subject at school.....

[Glen]

Even Sowerby made them!