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Mouth organ (symphonium)
Charles Wheatstone (English, 1802–1875)
about 1830
Object Place: London, England
Medium/Technique
Nickel silver, ivory
Dimensions
Height 5.4 cm, width 5.5 cm, depth 2.3 cm (Height 2 1/8 in., width 2 3/16 in., depth 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Foster Charitable Fund and Helen and Alice Colburn Fund
Accession Number1996.115
CollectionsEurope, Musical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Aerophones
DescriptionRectangular body of nickel silver standing on four out-turned legs. Front and back engraved with foliate decoration. Oval embouchure hole lined with ivory bushing. Eleven ivory-tipped buttons (six on proper right side and five on proper left) open valves for free reeds when depressed. Compass of g1 to c3 (eleven notes in diatonic scale). Pitch of A=425 cps. Original fitted case lined with red velvet and white silk; exterior covered with red leather.
InscriptionsEngraved on front of body: BY HIS MAJESTY'S LETTERS PATENT. / C. WHEATSTONE. / INVENTOR, 20 Conduit St. Regent St. / LONDON
Provenance1996, sold by Tony Bingham, London, England, to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 26, 1996)