Antique Victorian Walnut Parlor Pump Organ, No. 3165, J.E.B.W. — 49 Keys

Sunday mornings. The parlor still cool, the light coming in sideways through the lace curtains. Someone sat down, worked the bellows with both feet, and filled the room with something that sounded halfway between a pipe organ and a breath. That's what a Victorian parlor pump organ does — and this one still does it. Tested and fully functional, all 49 keys play, the dual bellows pump without complaint, and the two stops — Diapason and Principal — engage as they should.

The case is solid walnut, deeply finished in the dark Victorian manner, with paneled fronts, scrolled console brackets carved with volutes, stepped molding throughout, and a period brass caster set at each corner that makes repositioning easier than you'd expect for something this substantial. The hinged music rack is a pierced fretwork panel of scrolled openwork — blackened, bold, and frankly the best-looking part of the whole instrument. The keyboard cheeks carry round metal-rimmed stop knobs with original porcelain labels: Diapason on the left, Principal on the right.

CONDITION

Fair and fully functional. Bellows are complete and operational; all 49 keys play, two are sticky. Case shows scratches, chips, and finish wear consistent with age — notable losses along the lower base molding at corners, a chip to one upper keyboard-surround corner, and scuffs to the key slip. White keys retain even color; black keys show wear consistent with use.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 35" H × 42" W × 21.5" D
• Keyboard: 49 keys (ivory white, ebony black)
• Stops: 2 — Diapason, Principal
• Bellows: Dual foot-pump, red felt covers
• Case: Solid wood, walnut finish
• Mobility: Period brass casters
• Stampings: "3165 J.E.B.W." — keyboard deck underside and key slip