The Longman and Broderip organs are the. First’full-size’ mechanical devices designed solely to reproduce music in the home. This is a very rare and significant piece. Only the very wealthy could own one of these at the end of the 18th Century. 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. There are very few of these left in the world and this is the only one seen in this particular, more ornate, cabinet style. 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. 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 the 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. Import the best Roman Strings & genuine German Wire. With its beautiful, polished mahogany cabinet carved and inlaid designs on the legs and borders, it is a unique period antique in excellent condition. On July 11, 2015 Antiques Roadshow had a Longman and Broderip chamber organ which was appraised by Leslie Keno in Cleveland, Ohio. The version being offered is obviously a more’deLuxe’ and perhaps slightly later version with front stops and much more ornate and refined cabinet work. Additionally, this organ is in complete playing condition, whereas that one was clearly not, hence Leslie’s rapid conclusion of that segment. Also, there was no mention of more than one barrel, whereas this one has its complete set of 3. I’m usually skeptical of the appraisal prices on Antique Roadshow as being high. However, in light of the above comparisons, a purchaser of this organ would be getting a very fair value. Member, Musical Box Society International. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Decorative Collectibles\Music Boxes”. The seller is “wright-audio” and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States.
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
- Brand: Longman and Broderip
- Time Period Manufactured: Pre-1900