This square piano was made by James Stewart in Baltimore, Maryland in 1812. Stewart was born in Scotland and learned organ building in London. He came to Baltimore in 1812 and was in a partnership with his brother Adam until 1813. The serial number indicates that this piano precedes number 275 (MI*315704), which is dated June 4, 1812. It is possible that James made this piano himself before the partnership was formed. This piano is serial number 251 and has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, leather hammers, double-strings throughout, some wound, tuning pins on the right, 1 pedal: dampers (?), wood frame, and a mahogany case.