During World War II, Steinway and Sons produced specially-built pianos for the American troops. Called the Victory Vertical — or G.I. Steinways — the pianos were sometimes airdropped onto battlefields to provide a bit of relaxation. At first, Steinway was prohibited from building pianos due to government restrictions on iron, copper, brass, and other raw materials. The factory bided its time producing coffins and parts for troop transport gliders, until it was granted a contract to send specially designed pianos to commissioned war soldiers. Steinway proceeded to make over 3,000 pianos designed specifically for troops in battle between 1942 and 1953. The pianos came in olive, blue, and gray. They were dropped by parachute, complete with tuning equipment and instructions. For American troops in a faraway country during World War II, music was an excellent way to give them peace of mind and remind them why they were fighting.
