Q: What is the value of my old pump organ? The patent date is March 8, 1890. It was made by Cornish in New Jersey.
A: Seen in an accompanying image, the reader has a late Eastlake style pump organ with spindles set in openwork on the high back. There is a cathedral-style wooden clock with painted glass at middle-back that could be an add-on. Or it could be an original feature sold with the organ. I suspect the former.
It is a parlor organ, from a time when families gathered round the instrument to sing hymns or other tunes. Millions were made circa 1850-1930.
By the 1930s, the piano and electronic organ had supplanted parlor organs. The heavy and bulky instrument made of dark wood was deemed just too old-fashioned and unfashionable. Today they are generally items of interest and curiosity.
People are also reading…
Smart collectors know that patent dates do not indicate a date of make. Patents were issued, then stayed in effect for a number of years. Looking at this organ, I suspect that it was made decades later than the patent date.
Many surviving pump organs have serious mechanical problems, and that makes potential buyers leery. When you think about it, who would be a potential buyer for such a piece? Parlor organs are big and bulky. Their sheer mass eats up a room. Dark woods are unfashionable. Fancy carvings and features are dust catchers. Repair can be problematic and expensive. And moving the piece can be a costly nightmare.
There are buyers, but they are exceedingly picky and insist on best examples of the kind. Take that clock, for instance. If original to the instrument, it would be an enticing feature. Others buy for parts, and they don’t pay high.
I invite readers to look over recently sold pump organs on www.liveauctioneers.com and on eBay. When we looked, we found that a fancy Eastlake style organ, heavily carved with wood in excellent condition, plus bench, sold for just $150 at auction late last year. Others sold for $45 to $75 or did not sell. Two attractive Estey parlor organs sold on eBay for $100 and $200. To sell, you need to search for the individual who wants that organ. I suggest posting it in an online auction to see what happens. Can’t hurt!
ADDITIONAL INFO
We’ve just learned about a new online startup geared to engage Net-savvy and younger collectors. The site www.gemr.com was developed and is run by energetic and enthusiastic young or youngish staff. Think of it as social media for collectors. The new site is based on sharing, trading, learning and posting images of objects and collections.
Danielle Arnet welcomes questions from readers. She cannot respond to each one individually, but will answer those of general interest in her column. Send email to smartcollector@comcast.net
