Strange little piano thingy

[orangesforadam]

I have what looks like a piano, but it's not as wide, and it has couple treadles underneath, much like an old sewing machine.  Anyone know what this is?

[rachmaninoff_forever]

I wouldn't mess around with that.   That thing looks freaking haunted!

[orangesforadam]

That's why I bought it.   

[asuhayda]

some kind of clavichord maybe?

[orangesforadam]

Interesting...I've never seen a clavichord with treadles, but maybe! Thanks!

[silverwoodpianos]

Some type of small reed organ or melodian. Might say so inside the box.

Maybe get Vincent Price to open it up while playing some spooky music....

[orangesforadam]

 

[quantum]

Never seen anything like that before. My guess would be some sort of reed/pump organ. 

What does it sound like?

[chopin2015]

How many keys does it have?

[pianolive]

Those small organs were often made to bring by on traveling, preachers sometimes used them when they traveled around.
It is really a nice model you have! Congratiolations.

[justharmony]

I know this is an old thread - I don't log on here with as much regularity as I'd like, but I'd like to know what you found out about your little instrument here.  I'm a sucker for interesting instruments myself and am curious. I'm guessing you've figured out exactly what you have by now and what sort of condition it's in- hopefully working? 
If not - I'd definitely have to agree that it's NOT a clavichord - no reason for treadles on a clavichord - but rather something that would require such movement or action - like pumping of a (portable) small organ like someone else suggested.
So.  Any updates?
JH

[mikeowski]

You won't hear too soon from this guy I think -->

Date Registered: August 28, 2012, 05:32:34 PM
Last Active:    August 28, 2012, 11:34:42 PM

[austinarg]

Perhaps you can play piano and do the sewing at the same time using that