Petrof Export Piano Catalogue, Czechoslovakia, 1954

Petrof – [Export Catalogue of Grand and Upright Pianos]. Hradec Králové: Petrof, 1954. 8vo. Original illustrated card wrappers, plastic spiral-bound. Illustrated throughout in color and black and white.Attractive mid-century export catalogue for the Czechoslovak piano manufacturer Petrof, issued in English and distributed by Ligna Foreign Trade Corporation, Prague. The catalogue presents the firm's grand and upright pianos in a series of striking color illustrations, placing individual instruments within stylized contemporary interiors. Models and styles include the B 126 Chippendale, R Antique, English Baroque, Rococo, and others. Additional sections illustrate the construction and mechanical action of Petrof instruments and promote the company's craftsmanship and international reputation.A particularly appealing example of 1950s Czechoslovak commercial and export graphic design. The catalogue commemorates the firm's 1864–1954 history and includes a photograph of Italian pianist Giovanni Baccigalupi at a Petrof grand. Rear wrapper identifies Ligna Foreign Trade Corporation, Vodičkova 41, Prague II as sole distributor.