Loring and Blake

[Btollis]

HI Everyone,
I've inherited this beautiful organ, but not sure what to do with it.
I am in Sydney, Australia. I probably want to sell it, but not sure it it's worth, and I cant find any local online groups to ask about it.

Any thoughts?

[myorgan]

I wonder what the trip was for this organ, going from Worcester, MA to Sydney, Australia? It is a nice-looking instrument, but in looking at the keyboard photos, it looks like some work needs to be done.

As far as worth, I'm not sure if the fact that it is a "foreign" organ to Australia would enhance its worth or take away from its worth. We do have members from New Zealand, so I hope they can weigh in soon.

Best of luck with the organ.

Michael

[Organfella]

Hello and welcome! Any old pumper is worth keeping/saving as this generation will not have the privilege to see workmanship like this again... There are, as Michael said, some members in your part of the world. There is also a museum (not sure what it is called) in NZ who keeps some of these old ones. You will find reference to them on the Reed Organ Society pages but it may take a bit of research. When you find them, perhaps they might be willing to preserve it, especially if you can provide some history. A good dust-off and cleanup might make it quite museum-worthy
As for value, well, perhaps it's monetary worth is determined by what a prospective buyer will be willing to pay.
Good luck, thanks for sharing and please keep us updated as to the fate of this old beauty.
Nico

[Valiant Farmer]

Check this out, you may be surprised...https://www.trademe.co.nz/antiques-collectables/furniture-woodenware/furniture/pre-1900/listing-2774359706.htm?archive=1
I'd say most organs here in NZ rarely go for very much, most go for around a dollar + a very little bit...but this one is the exception for what they think its worth!
As stated it all depends on what the buyer is happy to pay. A M&H 15 or so stop organ went on TM a couple months back, and I think it went for over $200.
The museum has way to many organs and cant take any more!.
Your organ looks like it will have a good basic stop list, and sound. There was a organ very similar to yours for sale, around $600, and we bought something else from them chiefly so I could play it.
Alternatively you could learn to play it and fix it up, but beware of the reed organ bug...it bite certain people hard!
Joshua

[Organfella]

Wow! Joshua that dusty old George Woods certainly looks like a beauty - albeit would probably require a complete rebuild and a lifetime of TLC. See you got wood borers down there also - and liking the old keys too! I would put that one close to or past salvage but, nuts like me might have given it a go. ;-)
Nico

[nacasc61]

I have inherited a very similar organ, that needs repairs. Is there anyone in New England who does this (specifically New Hampshire)?

[myorgan]

NACASC61,

The Beehive used to be in Maine, but I don't believe they still exist. I believe member, nutmegct might not live far from you (in New England miles), but in southern MA (not far from Springfield, MA) is the Pease Collection of Antique Instruments: https://organforum.com/forums/forum/...-massachusetts

I hope this gives you some places to go.

Michael