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Lap organ
Alternate name:Reed organ
Alternate name:Rocking melodeon
Maker: Abraham Prescott
Date: 1840-1850 ca.
Place Made:Concord, Massachusetts, United States, North America
Serial No: none
SignedInscribed on the interior of the top cover, only visible when removed: A P r (large curvilinear letters)
MarkingsHandwritten numbers 1-49 on the backs of the key levers, viewable only by removing top.
Handwritten on lowest key lever and on each side of frame supporting keys: 4
Handwritten on lowest key lever and on each side of frame supporting keys: 4
DescriptionWalnut(?) case and stand with small bracket on backside for use of a pedal to pump the organ, which is not unusual for this type of instrument; two sets of reeds; small knob extending from the bass keyboard end of case
Compass: 4 octaves (C to C); 49 keys
piano-type keys (not buttons): ivory naturals, ebony sharps.
Swell louver operated by a sliding ivory button in front of the keyboard.
Rectangular halo above keyboard where maker label was once attached, approximately 65 x 30 mm
Wooden knob protruding from bass end would be used with a leather/cotton/metal loop to keep bellows in closed position to fit into case
Compass: 4 octaves (C to C); 49 keys
piano-type keys (not buttons): ivory naturals, ebony sharps.
Swell louver operated by a sliding ivory button in front of the keyboard.
Rectangular halo above keyboard where maker label was once attached, approximately 65 x 30 mm
Wooden knob protruding from bass end would be used with a leather/cotton/metal loop to keep bellows in closed position to fit into case
DimensionsLength: 711 mm
Width: 305 mm
Height: 178 mm
Height on stand: 780 mm
Width: 305 mm
Height: 178 mm
Height on stand: 780 mm
ProvenanceArne B. Larson Collection, Vermillion, South Dakota, 1979.
Terms
Credit Line: Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979
On view
Object number: 01327