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Organ Grinder

Patent/design registration not found

Organ Grinder needle 
case
Needle Case

Design Details

Needle Case Type:

Figural

Patent/Registered to:

Unknown

Patent/Design Representation #:

Unknown

Patent/Design Registration Date:

Unknown

Location of Patent/Design Registration:

Unknown

Reference #:

Unknown

Dimensions:

Unknown

Material:

Brass

Name Variations:

Wm. Hall & Co. – Studley

Other Variations:

None

Additional Photographs

Front and back views

Side views

Top open and top closed with signature detail

Facts

An organ grinder is a street performer who usually operates an instrument that plays music by turning a crack.  Some organ grinders use a barrel organ which has a bellows that pumps air into a chamber with pipes.  Today one usually finds organ grinders at festivals, fairs and other special events often dressed in period costumes like the one pictured here.

Organ Grinder facts

History

The organ grinder dates back to the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century.  Most were either poor men of ill repute begging for money or new immigrants struggling to support their families.  If the organ was a small one it was simply held out in front with a strap wrapped around the neck so the grinder could turn the handle with his free hand.  Medium and larger organs were either balanced on a wooden leg or attached to a cart.  Often the organ grinder was accompanied by a companion, monkey or other animal who would entice passersby to stop, listen and pay for the performance.

Organ Grinder history

Miscellaneous

The English artist James Collinson (1825-1881) painted this lovely Victorian woman and her child entitled "Organ Grinder with Dogs".  Click on the picture below to see the entire painting.

Organ Grinder misc