Organ Grinder in 1830s Currier & Ives Print
By Nicholas Simons
[ Ref. http://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/17/07/21/170721_103222_sickness%20and%20health.jpg
The organ grinder in this print is actually playing a portable street
piano of the type made by Hicks of Bristol, England. These are usually
called Hicks pianos by collectors, although some were made by others.
Some have been seen with an added automaton section affixed above the
barrel and driven by the hand crank.
For those of you who have recently visited the Waldkirch organ festival,
you may have seen a similar instrument in the museum exhibition of early
Ruth instruments. This was of a similar date and had the automaton
section. It was in full playing order.
Nicholas Simons, GB
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