Yes, they were kinda common, but only at certain times in history. They were commonly used on ships and in the army as portable organs for the chaplaincy. I once backed one of these into a corner before it would let me play it in Grand Falls, NB. The floor was slanted toward the podium, and it kept escaping as I pumped. I eventually trapped it against the stage, and finished the service that way.
It worked well.
Michael
Way too many organs to list, but I do have 5 Allens:
It seems like the perfect pump organ for someone like me with absolutely no space for one, but really I don't have space (and shouldn't be spending money!) to even have this one. Plus it looks kind of rough already. I'll have to think about it.
My late mom had a similar one made in Germany. I remember as a kid how she used to accompany our home singing of hymns. My sister inherited the organ and it is still in use. There are only two stops on it and I cannot remember what they do. The one you are considering appears to have about 49 keys which is a lot for such a small pumper so might be worthwhile to have. The case does look a little battle scarred though so it remains a difficult decision given your mentioned circumstances.
Nico
"Don't make war, make music!" Hammonds, Lowreys, Yamaha's, Gulbransens, Baldwin, Technics, Johannus. Reed organs. Details on request... B-)
It does *look* like it will need a lot of work, whatever that's worth. That part doesn't really bother me (though it should; I sure don't need any more projects). But spending that much on something in that kind of shape seems wrong to me. Perhaps I'm finally caving in to the Made in China economy. We'll see if it's even still there by the weekend, I suppose.
About 25 years ago, my wife and I were at an antiques auction in Maine, and one of these organs came up. Someone had painted it red, but you could see the quarter sawn oak where the red paint had come off the shellac. It did NOT sell for $5.00! I've been kicking myself since because I never purchased it.
It does say OBO, so suggest $25 or so. I would expect that organ was actually used for Army church services, thereby explaining its rough shape. Imagine the history behind that instrument! Wouldn't it be something to track it down?
Michael
Way too many organs to list, but I do have 5 Allens:
They are cherished by some, as military memorabilia. Cherished by others because they are yet another genre of organ getting tossed into the dumpster. We have one in the attack of my church, and they have agreed to give it to me if I attempt to restore its playability (not too much to the finish) and put it on display in our local “Hall of Heroes” service members museum. While the monetary value may not be high, especially in need of restoration, like many of the instruments whose restoration is discussed in these forums, it would be a shame if its fate was the dumpster, when it is an organ of distinct historical value, both for its purpose and sound. Just my opinion.
Sound like others would agree that you should go and grab it bud. You could always make it available to someone on this Forum if you really don't want it. Perhaps it is worthwhile saving after all.
Nico
"Don't make war, make music!" Hammonds, Lowreys, Yamaha's, Gulbransens, Baldwin, Technics, Johannus. Reed organs. Details on request... B-)
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