Dinny Bossa Nova
03-08-2006, 04:21 PM
A few months ago, I restored an old W. W. Kimball reed foot-pump organ for my friend to sell on ebay. I knew nothing about these things, but dove in anyway.
The serial number, date of manufacture and someone's initials are written in pencil on the front edge of the main board. I assume these initials belong to the guy who assembled the main board. I can't find any info about the manufacturing process, and very little about the history of the company in the 19th century.
So anyway, I've been checking ebay to see what these things are selling for, and last week, I stumbled on an auction with only two hours left. It was pick up only in Eldorado Springs, MO, no bids, starting at $9.99. I got it for $9.99.
Just got back with it a little while ago, took the front off, and it was built by the same guy. The first one had 11-23-94, and the second 7-3-95, with the same guy's initials. They were made at a big factory in Chicago with over 1500 employees, and it seems odd to me to have two built by the same guy.
All the pieces are there on this second one, and all keys and drawbars work, but there have been some less than favorable repairs on the cabinet. I think I can make it presentable.
Working on these old instruments, like I said before, is like working on Fred Flintstone's car. And it seems that they have more soul than your average "chester drawers".
Dinny
The serial number, date of manufacture and someone's initials are written in pencil on the front edge of the main board. I assume these initials belong to the guy who assembled the main board. I can't find any info about the manufacturing process, and very little about the history of the company in the 19th century.
So anyway, I've been checking ebay to see what these things are selling for, and last week, I stumbled on an auction with only two hours left. It was pick up only in Eldorado Springs, MO, no bids, starting at $9.99. I got it for $9.99.
Just got back with it a little while ago, took the front off, and it was built by the same guy. The first one had 11-23-94, and the second 7-3-95, with the same guy's initials. They were made at a big factory in Chicago with over 1500 employees, and it seems odd to me to have two built by the same guy.
All the pieces are there on this second one, and all keys and drawbars work, but there have been some less than favorable repairs on the cabinet. I think I can make it presentable.
Working on these old instruments, like I said before, is like working on Fred Flintstone's car. And it seems that they have more soul than your average "chester drawers".
Dinny