Antique Longman and Broderip English Chamber Barrel Organ, London 1790 Music Box

Description

This very rare and significant piece is the
first 'full-size' mechanical device designed solely to reproduce music in the home.
Think about that. It predates all cylinder and interchangeable disc 'music boxes' which would 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.
Some songs we know today are because they were "pinned for posterity" on the barrels of these earliest organs.
Supplied with (3) 16 1/2” interchangeable cylinders each with 10 tunes for a total of 30. All of them play correctly. Songs include "The Irish Washerwoman" and "Marseilles March".
It is in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition. The fabric, internal frame and medallion within the oval have been replaced.
Longman and Broderip's manufacturing address was 26 Cheapside and 13 Haymarket Streets, London.
The seller has owned this exceptional piece for many decades.
Six stops (1 drum, 1 triangle) 17 Keys including drum, triangle 60 Pipes: 1 rank – 15 wooden pipes (closed Diapason) 1 rank – 15 lead pipes (Principle) 1 rank – 15 lead pipes (12th) 1 rank – 15 lead pipes (15th) Dimensions: 24” wide, 17 3/4” deep, 53” high 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. Signed on the barrels: "Longman & Broderip... Manufacture, Repair, and Sell, Wholesale and Retail, Organs, Piano Fortes, Harpsichords, Spinnets, Violins, Guitars, Flutes, Fifes, Horns, Clarinets and every other kind of Musical Instrument. Also Engrave & Print the greatest variety of Music by the most approved Masters. Harpsichords, Piano Fortes and Spinnets Tuned in Town & Country, on the most reasonable Terms by the Year, Quarter, or Pr. Time. N.B. Import the best Roman Strings & genuine German Wire. Large Allowance to Merchants, Captains of Ships & others who take for Sale."
With its beautiful, polished mahogany cabinet carved and inlaid designs on the legs and borders, it is a fine, period antique in excellent condition that's very unique.
Video available.
Please note that this item is available for pickup only by the buyer. There are no crating or packing services in this area.
Not accepting offers at this time.
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