Expert: Eileen Cronk - 11/1/2005

Question
I will not ask you how much it is worth but I really need to know if it is worth something?I have a wooden 1906 organ from the Goderich organ company.It is in excellent shape.I have talked to an antique guy who did not see it but told me organs aren't really worth much.Is this true? Any info you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Shelley

Answer
Hi Shelly
Nice to hear from you.
The man you talked to was correct...they are not worth much.
Two reasons for this I think.
First off they are so big and heavy that most people cannot fit them in their homes, and second, most of them do not work, or work badly and the cost to repair them is over the moon.
I know this for a fact. A friend recently had the interior restored back to full working order and the cost was $3500.00 (Canada)
It seems you actually have to pay someone to take these things off your hands.
To me this is a shame because I see the impressive workmanship that went into making them.
I have salvaged a lot of beautiful wood from some of these organs and pianos. Its a shame really to see it go to the dump.
Hope this helps
Eileen