412.132-62 Sets of free reeds with flexible air reservoir

Prototype concertina, with experimental reed chambers. English system. No serial number. Label absent, though right-hand fretwork has label hole. 7.31" x 10.94" diameter flat solid rosewood ends with simple frets. Stretched hexagon form. Left-hand has pine board backing, right-hand backing absent. 43 ivory buttons with black accidentals: 22 left-hand, 21 right-hand (all 21 absent). Left-hand strap damaged; green leather with plated screw. Right-hand strap absent. Four-fold green leather bellows with deep bellows frame and markedly chamfered form, no papers added (as with other prototypes). Nickel reed tongues set in pairs on brass reed beds, mounted on inner reed chambers. Wheatstone was experimenting with reed chambers of 'pipes' of harmonically-tuned sizes to enhance tone and response.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
M579-1996
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 210 x 191 x 280 mm; overall MG display : 14.9606 x 14.5669 x 7.4803 in.; 380 x 370 x 190 mm
CATEGORY
Musical Instruments
LOCATION
SHAREABLE LINK

Continue exploring musical instruments

Collection Information

These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be errors. This part of the website is also still under construction, so there may be some fields repeated or incorrectly formatted information.

The database retains language taken from historical documents to help research. Please note that some records may feature language and reflect systems of thinking that are outdated and offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.

If you have any further information about objects in our collections, can suggest corrections to our information or if you see content requiring immediate action, please contact us: enquiry@horniman.ac.uk