.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The stops are S. Diapason, Principal, Twelth, Fifteenth, Drum and Triangle and all have pointed square wood knobs which may be later. There are three barrels playing 10 dance airs each, with storage for two in the base, all three barrels numbered in ink on the left support.
The crank handle is in the ususal position on the front and past wear can be seen where the brass elbow has rubbed against the side of the case.
W. Rolfe was first recorded at 112 Cheapside in 1796. From 1806, the company became W. Rolfe & Sons, putting the likely date of this instrument at no later than 1806, which is confirmed by its 18th century Adam style.
In addition to the trade label inside the lid, there are barrel changing instructions, a tune list for all three barrels and a hand-written set of instructions for 19 of the 30 dances headed Figures to the Country Dances
There are four ranks of pipes, twin drum and twin triangle strikers.
Each barrel has a trade-label with the maker's name and address obscured (after pinning). Careful inspection reveals the obliterated name as Bryceson, with 'by the Tower' at the end of the address. Henry Bryceson's known address was at 3, Little Thomas St. in around 1802-1809. Presumably, Rolfe was buying pinned barrels in from Bryceson and did not wish to advertise the fact. One barrel has evidance of later alterations to some of the pinning
W. Rolfe & Son. were dissolved as a company in 1890 after having addresses at two numbers in Cheapside and two in London Wall.
The crank handle is in the ususal position on the front and past wear can be seen where the brass elbow has rubbed against the side of the case.
W. Rolfe was first recorded at 112 Cheapside in 1796. From 1806, the company became W. Rolfe & Sons, putting the likely date of this instrument at no later than 1806, which is confirmed by its 18th century Adam style.
In addition to the trade label inside the lid, there are barrel changing instructions, a tune list for all three barrels and a hand-written set of instructions for 19 of the 30 dances headed Figures to the Country Dances
There are four ranks of pipes, twin drum and twin triangle strikers.
Each barrel has a trade-label with the maker's name and address obscured (after pinning). Careful inspection reveals the obliterated name as Bryceson, with 'by the Tower' at the end of the address. Henry Bryceson's known address was at 3, Little Thomas St. in around 1802-1809. Presumably, Rolfe was buying pinned barrels in from Bryceson and did not wish to advertise the fact. One barrel has evidance of later alterations to some of the pinning
W. Rolfe & Son. were dissolved as a company in 1890 after having addresses at two numbers in Cheapside and two in London Wall.