Organ Grinder
Patent/design registration not found
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.
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.
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.
