Dear MMD,  I am looking for information on (or about) barrel organs
built by the Englishman, John Longman, of 131 Cheapside, London.

Longman built instruments very early in the 1800s and carried patents
on his instruments.  Further, he appears to have been connected with
others during his tenure.  As a starting place, I have the book,
"The Barrel Organ" (1978), by Ord-Hume, but was wondering if any new
information has turned up since that book was published nearly 30
years ago.

It would be great hearing from others who have either had one of
Longman's instruments or maybe even worked on one.

Thanks,
Gary Stevenson
South St. Louis, Missouri

 [ At http://www.debenham.org.uk/personal/131_Cheapside_The_Longman_Connection_13-03-2011.pdf 
 [
 [ "The testimony of the defendant, John Longman, of 131, Cheapside, a
 [ relative of James Longman and his brother John, chronicles a sorry
 [ saga of deception and betrayal of trust.  John relates how early in
 [ the year 1801 he had been persuaded to assign a one third share of
 [ his new barrel organ patent to his kinsman for a pittance on the
 [ basis of James' grandiose promises that he would go into business
 [ with him and make his fortune. ..."
 [
 [ -- Robbie