Hugh Russell, active 1780-1829

mahogany, ivory, bone, ebony, metal, brass and glass, with a four and half octave retractable keyboard BB to f³, with bone naturals and ebony accidentals, six hand stops controlling fifteenth, principal, bass diapason, hautboy, dulciano and treble diapason, two pedals, one operating the bellows, a socket in the left side of the case for a hand lever for the bellows, with appropriate later astragal glazed doors enclosing the pipes

Sotheby's, London, 26 November 1992, lot 466

c.f. James Boeringer, Organ Britannica: Organs In Great Britain, 1669-1860, London, 1989, p. 84.

A very decorative and impressive instrument and the general condition is excellent. The doors are later and the pipes have been re-gilt (as in the earlier catalogue photograph in 1992, they had 19th century painted decoration). At this time it was extensively restored by Mr Seeger. There are signs of shrinkage due to low humidity. If there ever was a lower back panel, this is now missing - it is quite possible there never was one. Stopped Diapason bottom G: This pipe is split and probably needs workshop attention to repair it Stopped Diapason Tenor D: This pipe is also split and requires workshop attention Oboe Off Note Block: This has a small split at the treble end Treble c# of the Fifteenth: This pipe has a damaged foot Soundboard: There are some mild ‘runnings’ in the treble of the soundboard Wooden Pipe Stay: A wooden pipe stay is missing. These faults are minor and none of them render the organ unplayable. Please note that the organ cannot be transported whilst assembled and will be disassembled after the auction. Professional re-assembly is highly recommended - please contact the department for more information on +44(0)207 293 6441. Technical Summary The key compass is GG to f3, short octave. The B below the normal bottom C plays G below and the C# plays A below bottom C. That is what is called a short octave and was standard with chamber organs of the period in England, church organs too. The stops are listed as follows: Stopped Diapason Bass (8ft) Stopped Diapason Treble (8ft) Dulciana Treble (8ft) Principal (4ft) Fifteenth (2ft) The small pedal to the left of centre in the front of the organ is a so-called shifting action. That puts of the higher pitched stops by pressing it, so allowing a rapid change of registration whilst playing.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."