Some more pictures of my Hillier during moving on 2/5/08. This is a full 4:5 rank instrument which had languished in a garage in Heaton Chapel for around 20 years, but clearly part of family life before that and bearing the scars of a number of minor repairs and childrens' musical activities. I bought it from Alan Roking via e-Bay, its previous 100-year history is not known. Unfortunately the case, especially the lid, has been very badly treated as some time, but the internal workings are much better than expected.
This is going to need some work. Absolutely nothing wrong with the reservoir though - I couldn't move it without lifting the expression valve.
And so is this - one treadle is badly damaged and the other has been replaced with a piece of plywood.
A very neat stop rail with the name of "Hillier Organ Co. London" and keyboard by H.Brooks and Co., so very English. But look at all those stuck-on labels to help the children learn to play! I don't mind, at least they enjoyed it. The keys are celluloid and two have small chips and one is scratched.
Underneath the valve board it is signed "Frank Swannick May 4th 1888".
Esteve SGDG Paris reeds throughout. The 16' Musette reeds are upright with bigger sounding chambers and are used as a Voix Celeste against the Clarinette.
Hardly any moth damage either, which is unusual.
And finally, the keys cleaned and re-installed in the key frame. Not bad for an afternoon's work. Now I can get the use of my kitchen back...
