Expert: Kenton Scott - 5/6/2005

Question
I have recollections from my childhood in England (1950s) of a wandering itinerant who played a tingle-airey/tinkle-airey on the streets. It was approximatley the size of a piano accordian (can't remember it having keys) but it was balanced on a pole and had a handle which the man turned to make the music. Perhaps it was just a music box.
Are you or your colleagues familiar with this? Is it a colloquial name for something else.
As I am writing a historical novel and would like to mention this instrument I would be grateful for any advice you can offer. Thanks MM

Answer
Hi Margaret,

I wonder if what you are describing is a

hurdy gurdy, or vielle à roue, or organistrum.

If so, they come in many varieties, shapes and sizes.  

See if this could be what you are taking about.
http://www.hurdygurdy.com/omi/images/mg3.jpg


Here is a site with more examples.
http://www.hurdygurdy.com



Kenton