Upright pump organ-- Ivory keys?

[railrider1920]

Hi everyone,
I was in a thrift store last week and they have an upright pump organ for sale there. They say it is an antique, it looks like it, is in decent condition. The wood looks to be oak. Looks to be about 20-30 years old, but that is just a guess. I have considered buying it just for the cabinet that is around the machine.

Something I was wondering, how do I tell if the keys are real ivory? I don't know exactly how old it is, just guessing. The keys were white, but are now off white. the black ones are still black. Lets say that the keys are real ivory and I do take the machine apart, how much are the keys worth? Couple bucks apiece or more like 8-10 apiece or more?

Thanks for any opinions offered

 

[DCBluesman]

The sell for a couple of bucks apiece. http://www.walkerpiano.com/ivory.html
An ivory ID guide can be found here. http://www.lab.fws.gov/ivory.html

 

[railrider1920]

Thanks for the info

 

[n7blw]

A hot needle on ivory will make it stink like burning hair, I've been told.

 

[Jarheaded]

That's right Jim, if you burn a piece, it will smell the same as any other burning flesh smell, like burning hair and fingernails. It is probably a test that you may want to avoid as it does tend to ruin the ivory.

 

[THarvey]

An antique pump organ will be more than 30 years old.

There is probably a panel in the back that will allow access to the bellows. From there you might be able to see the backs of the keys, where they attach to the rods and reeds.

Ivory keys will be a consistant material and have similar coloration on the backs of the keys.

 

[Ron in Drums PA]

Tim is on the right track.

I was told that ivory hasn't been used on pianos for 60 years, I don't know if that is the same for organs.

I know a piano turner that had some ivory keys. We traded some ivory for a ivory inlaid pen.

 

[THarvey]

Originally posted by Ron in Drums PA

Tim is on the right track.

I was told that ivory hasn't been used on pianos for 60 years, I don't know if that is the same for organs.

I know a piano turner that had some ivory keys. We traded some ivory for a ivory inlaid pen.

A US made pump organ with real ivory keys will pre-date 1900. If you have ivory, the black key might be buffalo horn.

Chestnut was used, then later maple after 1900.

Tim

 

[railrider1920]

Thanks for all the added info folks. I might just go and get this thing. If nothing else, I'll have a nice cabinet.

Thanks again