Antique Rosewood Melodeon Pump Organ 1800's Prescott Brothers (AS FOUND) 19th C.

Description

O.H. Elredge Melodeon W/ Ivory Keys - 1800's This auction is for a Antique Folding/Portable O.H. Eldredge Melodeon with Ivory Keys. I'm told that this piece was made some around the mid 1800's. It will need a little work. The rods for the pedals are not in the best condition, but we have them and there are a few areas that will need replaced (see pictures). Measurements are approximately 37" wide x 19" deep x 29 1/2" high. Shipping at buyers expense. Local Pickup preferred . A Little History The name "melodeon" was originated by Jeramiah Carhart of Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1835. For over ten years he had worked with harmoniums and other reed organs of the day to develop an instrument with a softer, sweeter sound. The product he finally put on the market he called a melodeon: the sound was mellow, and a melody could be played upon it. Most other small foot-pump organs were meant for voice accompaniment, and were not really very pleasing to listen to as solo instruments. Melodeon was a wonderful instrument to play. His invention is somewhat complicated, but its main feature was the use of vacuum to sound the reeds rather than air pressure, common in the English and early American organs and harmoniums. With air pressure the reeds sounded into the open
air; the sound was harsh, loud, and often seemed out of tune. With vacuum, the reeds "spoke" into the case; the sounds were muffled and quite mellow. The first Melodeons were housed in simple spindle-legged cases, usually of pine.