Seraphine, Old Colony Historical Society Museum - Tauton, MA
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NorStar
N 41° 54.079 W 071° 05.238
19T E 326863 N 4640926
This instrument, a cross between a reed organ, melodian, and accordian, is on display in the Old Colony Historical Society Museum and was made by Canton inventor J. A. Bazin.
Waymark Code: WMH58R
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 05/25/2013
Views: 3
In Taunton, within the Old Colony Historical Society Museum, is an exhibit for an unusual instrument called a seraphine.
The Old Colony Historical Society Museum is located by Church Green of US Route 44 and near Summer Street. This instrument is located on the second floor of the building, along a wall (opposite the iron stoves).
The instrument is similar to a reed organ. There are pedals at the base to pump bellows and is encased in a small cabinet. The difference is that instead of keys, it has buttons to push, much like an accordian.
The card next to the organ has the following:
"SERAPHINE, ca. 1835
Maple, rosewood, metal, bone
James A. Bazin of Canton, MA, maker
Gift of Miss Henrietta Leonard
A cross between and accordian and a reed organ, this musical instrument is compact and portable. Its sound come from air being forced across metallic reeds."
A description in an account from the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association about its exhibitions in 1837 has the following about an exhibit:
"Organ Piano-Forte. An instrument with this title, constructed on the principle of the Seraphine or Melodeon, was placed in the Exhibition, by the maker, J. A. Bazin, of Canton, Mass., which, in the opinion of the Committee, deserves much praise. Its tones are better in quality, and are more promptly uttered, than is common in instruments of its kind. The Committee think, that this instrument (if it will stand well in tune, of which they cannot judge,) may be used as a very convenient and agreeable substitute for an organ, to accompany the voices in church music, where it is not practicable to have an organ. -- Silver Medal"
Consult the OCHS web site for hours and admission (its reasonable!). Non-flash photos are allowed in the museum.
Sources:
Google Books (The Exhibits and Fairs of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Association)
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visit link)
Old Colony Historical Society
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visit link)