Arvid Dayton Melodeon Reed Organ
Extremely Rare, made in Wolcottville, Connecticut in the mid 1800s. A family heirloom. Curious to know the value pre and post-restoration.
It has been in the family estate for 4 generations.
Inherited
Yes
Hi Aya,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique Victorian rosewood melodeon reed organ
made by Arvid Dayton, Wolcotville, CT, mid 19th Century (probably 1850-60)
The rectangular hinged top with rounded corners opening to an ebony and ivory keyboard with pierced music stand, raised on inverted conical legs ending in ball feet.
33 inches high, 50-7/8 inches long, 35-1/2 inches deep
CONDITION: client purports this is in excellent, pre-restoration condition
PROVENANCE: inherited
$200-400*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.
What would the value be post-restoration?
Thanks, Aya.
Victorian pianos (spinets, pianofortes, melodeons, etc) are not bringing very much at auction right now; I suspect this is a case where the sentimental (family) value greatly outweighs the market value but I think its important to be honest about what this is worth to anyone other than you or your family.
At Mearto, we can't recommend restoration but I can say that even restored instruments are not bringing very much money so this might not even end up worth the additional cost of restoration.
A serious collector would likely prefer this to be in as-original condition as possible.
I hope that's useful information to you.
The melodeon is in excellent condition. I am trying to determine the value before I spend money to get it restored fully and tuned.
50 7/8”L x 35 1/2”W x 33”H