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Barrel organ

Back and interior of case of pine, front, sides and lid of solid mahogany. Central section of case veneered with crossbanded mahogany and inlaid with bands of a lighter wood, possibly sycamore. Oval-shaped opening in central section, with nine flat-backed dummy pipes of gilt wood, backed with pale green silk. Painted oval cartouche and three gilt metal stop-knobs, on wooden shanks, marked "Diapason", "Principal", "Triangle". Mechanism wound by brass and hardwood handle on right-hand side case of case front. Wooden pinned barrel, set of bellows in base and two ranks of pipes, 14 wooden and 14 lead (three of these now missing). Triangle attachment. Plays 10 tunes. Case set into mahogany stand, inlaid with decorative border of lighter woods, with four tapering legs and drawer in base for storing extra barrel (now missing).

  • Date:
    early 19th century
  • Maker:
    Phillips, William
  • Collection:
    National Museums Liverpool
  • Inventory number:
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  • Place of production:
    London (Timezone: Europe/London)
  • Culture:
  • Period:early 19th century
  • Materials:
  • Specific materials/techniques:
  • Decorative elements:
  • Inscriptions:Label: "Patent Piano Fortes with Drum and Triangle, W. Phillips, Piano Fore & Organ Manufacturer, Music Seller, Printer & Publisher, Corner of Manor Row, facing the bottom of the Minories & Little Tower Hill, London. A large and fashionable assortment of Improved Patent Piano Fortes, Barrel Organs, Guitars, Tambourines, Triangles, Patent Flutes, Flageolets and every other article in the Musical Branch" on paper label on underside of lid.
  • Hornbostel-Sachs category:
  • Repository:National Museums Liverpool
  • Measurements:Height 1210mm, width 540mm, depth 348mm