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Old Wheezy: About That Kimball Organ

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By JAY MOORE Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 1, 2009

We own an old Kimball organ and matching bench. We believe that it is made of oak. What can you tell us about it, including its value?

G.L.

Tampa

It's a reed organ made around the turn of the century. These also are referred to as parlor or pump organs. Many middle- and upper-class Americans and small churches owned the organs as a source of entertainment and inspiration.

Although they look like pianos, reed organs are more like accordions. They produce sound using bellows, which are combined with the keyboard and draw knobs. They fell out of favor when pianos became less expensive.

The original Kimball Co. of Chicago was founded by W.W. Kimball and made organs and pianos. It was later bought by Jasper Corp. of Jasper, Ind. It eventually became Kimball International, which now makes furniture.

Turn-of-the-20th-century parlor organs are not popular for many reasons, including sound quality, which is asthmatic at best. Restoration can be quite expensive. However, preservationists like to use them in Victorian room settings.

It would retail for about $250, if you can find a buyer. For the most part, unless the casework is spectacular (not the case with this example), they do make good boat anchors.

I inherited a large punch bowl set that I was led to believe was made by Fostoria (there is a small "F" etched on it). A couple of experts who belong to the local Fostoria club told me that although it is a lookalike, they do not believe that it is Fostoria. What is your opinion of this set? I really do not know what to do with it.

P.G.

St. Augustine

It is not a Fostoria pattern, although it resembles the firm's American pattern. I agree with the experts that you consulted. The mark you describe was not used by Fostoria. In fact, very few pieces of Fostoria glassware were marked.

Fostoria began glass-making operations in Fostoria, Ohio, in 1887. It moved to a new facility in Moundsville, W.Va., around 1891. The company was sold to Lancaster Colony Corp. in the 1970s, which shut it down in 1983.

Your set probably was manufactured between 1950 and 1970. It would retail for $50 to $75. As for what to do with it? I'd have a party.

Have a question about antiques? E-mail a complete description with a clear, high-resolution digital image in .jpg format to baylife @tampatrib.com. Include a name, address and daytime phone number. Regular mail can be sent with clear photographs (not comp

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