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TARE CIRCA 1853-1856 B.F. TOBIN & CO.
CARHART’S PATENT MELODEON
NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Offered here is a remarkably well-preserved mid-19th-century CARHART’S Patent Melodeon manufactured by B.F. Tobin & Co. of Nashua, New Hampshire, dating to approximately 1863-1856.
The original maker’s panel above the keyboard is still clearly legible and reads:
CARHART’S PATENT MELODEON
B.F. TOBIN & CO., MANUFACTURERS
Corner of Main and Water Streets - Nashua, N. H.
B.F. Tobin & Co. was a relatively small New Hampshire manufacturer of melodeons and other reed instruments during the 1850’s. Period records document the company manufacturing Carhartt-patent instruments at the Main and Water Streets location during this period.
The CARHART system was an important development in American teed-organ history, using suction to draw air through free reeds. These compact melodeons became popular American parlor instruments during the middle of the 19th century.
This example is especially attractive, with a beautiful figured wood cabinet, folding keyboard cover, decorative molding and an elegant lyre form wooden base with foot-operated bellows pedals. The keyboard is complete, and the original manufacturer’s inscription remains unusually clear.
We purchased this melodeon in1984 and have owned it for more than 40 years. It was playable during those first several decades. It is no longer playing and is therefore being sold AS-IS as an unrestored antique instrument. We have made no attempt to restore the bellows or internal mechanism.
Given its age, the instrument naturally shows normal evidence of use, age and patina. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
This is now approximately 170+ years old and would make an outstanding addition to a collection of early American musical instruments, reed organs, New Hampshire antiques, or 19th-century American furniture.
DETAILS
Maker: B.F. Tobin & Co.
Type: Carhart’s Patent Melodeon
Location: Nashua, New Hampshire
Date: Circa 1853-1856
Period: Mid-19th Century
Foot-Operated bellows pedals
Decorative lyre-form base
Folding wooden keyboard cover
Original B.F. Tobin & Co. identification panel
Purchased by present owners in 1984
Previously playable; currently non-playing
Offered unrestored and AS-IS
Please Note: Due to the age and specialized nature of this instrument, no guarantee is made regarding the condition of the reeds, bellows or other internal components. It is being offered as an antique collectible requiring restoration if the purchaser wishes to return it to playing condition.
Local pickup would be strongly preferred due to the instrument’s age and construction. Any shipping arrangements would be discussed prior to purchase.
