• Address: Ted Williams & Highland Ranch, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)
• Date Posted: 12/18/09

This Museum Piece was Found Hidden in a Storage Closet of a One Room School House in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia in 1972.

It had not been moved since at least 1949. This is an incredible antique. One can only imagine where it has been and what it has seen, as it traveled through the eastern Appalachian's of the east coast. I'm often amazed at what some offer as antiques. This, is a real antique and this is a LOW price. Easily re-sold for much more. There is no room for haggling as there is one on eBay right now, that was ruined by painting at some time in its lifetime. Buy it Now for $550, the bid is currently at $650 and has a metal handle dating it as much as 20 years later than this one and in less condition. I saw one sell at a antique auction for $2900 with historical's from the governors mansion and museum.

This antique Estey Reed Peddle Organ was given to my mother, as she was the State music superintendent back east when a 150 year old one room school house was closed and torn down. The organ was found inside a storage area that had been sealed hut years before during an addition. It was one of many things that she has been given over the years, and one of the few that we had no history on. It is difficult because, Estey Organ Company made this model during most of its existence. Although it was primarily used by early churches and traveling evangelists, there were many used in one room schoolhouses that were also used as churches (or visa versa) throughout the bible belt. The organ is in working condition, even though it has not been restored (adding to its value). The lowest price that I have found one selling for was one that is currently on eBay for $625 and that organ had lost its antique value due to someone making a horrible mistake and painting it blue. This one is a beautiful finished walnut with a wooden handle (instead of metal) which puts it back prior to the end of WW2, although it is most likely that it was built in the late 30's according to one expert my mother contacted years ago. The highest I have seen them sell for is $2900 professionally restored with recorded history. Generally, these sell for about $800 - $1000 and once restored they are appraised and sold by antique dealers for $1200-$2500. This one does not need to be restored. It plays great and is in great condition. I does have a crack on one side that does not effect either its look or its operation and can be easily repaired by any carpenter or cabinet maker. We waited, hoping that someone with more antique experience could repair it. It plays very nicely and in the event that you ever have a problem with it, they are easy to work on, usually just needing cleaning inside as dust can get into the bellows or reeds. This Organ was cleaned up inside and out about 1998 and sat in my mothers living room next to the piano for about a year, before she became protective of it and closed it up. There is more history; the school, location, etc. I will be happy to write down all I know on it and send it to whomever purchases it.

My Mother passed away recently and we have a 2 car garage containing her 2 bedroom condominium that had taken 1/2 of a semi-trailer to move from back east to here in 2001, to be closer to her grandchildren. We are slowly going through it and clearing it out and this is one of the heavier items and we will be moving soon. I would love to keep it for grandchildren but I have two kids in college and doubt it should be lugged around for another 10 years. The proceeds will go toward purchasing a memorial stone.

RESEARCH INFO:
Estey, J., & Co., Brattleboro VT 1863 - 1872. In 1869 a new factory was started on Birge Street at the Dickenson Farm, later called Esteyville. Reorganized as Estey Organ Co. in 1872 and as the Estey Corporation in the early 1930's, closed in 1959.

In the early nineteenth century primitivist preachers decried the use of musical instruments in worship as unbiblical and worldly. By the middle of the century, however, more churches were using organs, and many Christians found that the sound of an organ turned any secular space into a church. The preacher or evangelist who carried this heavy object on his (or, less likely, her) rounds must have seen it as central for leading worship. Many of these churches were the center of town function, government, funeral services, and schooling, which loaned many other uses to these organs. Pianos were much more expensive and it was more difficult to keep them tuned and in playing condition during those early years.
Just email for an appointment anytime in the afternoon or evening during the week. There are lots of other items. Musical and estate.
Contact me for appointment: LDadvocateLaw@gmail.com

The estate sale we are having is due to my mothers passing. All proceeds will got to her memorial, then her music in public schools foundation.
In remembrance, as a public service, here is something everyone should know: http://www.signsofstroke.info/you-can-save-a-life