Polyphon
F. G. White
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
Unknown
Materials
Wood and metal.
Measurements
306 mm (length); 306 mm (width); 200 mm (height)
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 662705
Summary
A polyphon in a dark mahogany square box. It sits within a mitred base and has a shaped mitred frame on top of the lid. The sides of the lid are paler than the main part. On the front of the box is a brass knob, which can be pulled out and a moveable metal lever protruding through a narrow slot cut into the wood. The hinged lid, when opened, is held in a vertical position by a brass sliding bracket, and inside the lid is a hand painted picture of a bridge over a river. There is a red building on either bank which have oriental type roofs. The word 'Polyphon' is written in gold coloured script across the sky. A label reading 'Rebuilt by F G White' is secured by a brass frame on the back edge. In the box is a gold painted metal plate surrounded by a wooden frame. Fastened to the left-hand side of this plate is a collection of toothed wheels which revolve and flick against a comb-like metal plate secured to the base. A bracket on the left holds a brass rod which goes above the wheels to connect with a spindle, which protrudes through the centre of the plate. This rod has three black collars equally spaced along its length. On the right side of the base plate is the word 'polyphon' embossed on it. Fastened to the inside of the front and rear of the box are two metal studs which act as axles for the two small black wheels.
Provenance
Donated to the Museum of Childhood by Mrs E. Adams in August 1975.
Marks and inscriptions
Inside the back edge of the box, under glass secured by the brass frame:: 'Rebuilt / by / F G White.' Metal base plate inside the box: 'POLYPHON'
Makers and roles
F. G. White, restorer