Physharmonika
Alternate name(s)
- Physharmonica
- Reed organ
Maker
Philipp J. Trayser & Co.
Date1850 ca.
Place MadeStuttgart, Germany, Europe
Serial No.19089 or 655
SignedInside case: PH.I. TRAYSER & COMP. STUTTGARTMarkingsWritten in pencil on far ends of keys, consecutively 1 to 41
Written in pencil on two lowest and two highest keys: 1467
Stamped on lower sections of legs, respectively: 5 and 7
Stamped on cross-member which supports pedal: 8
Stamped on stamped on top rear of case edge: 19089 and 655
Stamped on stamped on key-frame and on wooden cover inside rear half: 655
DescriptionRectangular, unadorned wooden veneer case with hinged lid in 3 sections rests on wooden stand with 2 turned legs, carved feet, one cross-member which supports a single, central wooden pedal
Pitch at A = 439
Long wooden rod attaches pedal to wooden strip under bottom of case
Keyboard compass (single manual): F-a2 (3¼ octaves)
Naturals: keytops are bone; wood exposed keyfronts
Accidentals: keys of black wood
External lid opens to reveal wooden cover with 12 circular soundholes along front, backed with green cloth (not original)
Small rectangular music-desk hinged to this cover
Cover can be removed to reveal key frame
Single brass spring for each key
Reeds and bellows concealed beneath
Pressure system
Reed plate engraved (see above)
41 brass reeds screwed to 3 metal plates
Lowest seven reeds have metal added to tip
Plates have letter-name of each note engraved
DimensionsOverall height: 785 mm
Width: 592 mm
Depth: 304 mm
ProvenancePurchased from Lillian Caplin, The Center for Musical Antiquities, New York, New York, who bought it at auction, Paul McInnis Inc., Auctioneers, Hampton Falls, New Hampshire (“Lot 168” label on file), October 1995,
Published ReferencesAndré P. Larson, “Mazzeo Collection a Highlight . . . 1995 Acquisitions Include Rare
Clarinets, Vintage Strings,” The Shrine to Music Museum Newsletter 23, No. 3 (January 1996), pp. 1-4.
André P. Larson. Beethoven & Berlioz, Paris & Vienna: Musical Treasures from the Age of Revolution & Romance 1789-1848. With essay by John Koster. Exhibition catalog, Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, September 12-November 2, 2003. Vermillion: National Music Museum 2003. pp. 23 and 72.
Credit LineBoard of Trustees, 1995
Object number05907
On View
Not on view
