English Chamber Barrel
Organ, circa 1790 Manufactured by Longman and Broderip, 26 Cheapside and 13 Haymarket Streets, London. |
This very rare
and significant piece is the
first 'full-size' mechanical device designed
solely to reproduce music in the home.
It predates all cylinder and interchangeable disc 'music boxes' which would begin to become available about a couple decades later. It is derivative of English church barrel organs, scaled down for use in home parlors of the upper class. There are very few of these left in the world and this is the only one seen in this particular, more ornate, cabinet style. Supplied with (3) 16 1/2” interchangeable barrels each with 10 tunes for a total of 30, including "Marseilles March" and "The Irish Washerwoman". All barrels play correctly. Some songs we know today are because they were "pinned for posterity" on the barrels of these earliest organs. Barrels are stored in a separate compartment which opens in the side of the base of the organ and are changed through the flap in the left side of the case. Drum and triangle occupy top part of the cabinet in the front, barrel in center and the bellows below. Dimensions: 24” wide, 17 3/4” deep, 53” high It is in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition.
17 Keys including drum, triangle 60 Pipes: 1 rank –
15 wooden pipes (closed Diapason)
With its beautiful, polished mahogany cabinet, carved and inlayed designs on the legs and the borders, it is a fine period antique in excellent condition. Please note that this item is available for pickup only by the buyer or the seller may consider personally transporting it partially or the entire distance to the buyer. Also, it is possible to crate and ship the item, but shipping arrangements must be made by the buyer.
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