URGENT - MIKE PRIESTNERS 89 KEY MARENGHI STOLEN TODAY!
Hi Jory, The history of Mike's 89 key Marenghi 'Lady Hamilton' is as follows (until someone with a greater knowledge than myself adds to or correct this!). The organ was built in 1903 and is thought to be one of the earliest organs built by Marenghi after leaving the Gavioli concern, it is thought to have been originally supplied as a 70 Key instrument to Connolly's of Yorkshire for use in their steam yachts. It was later enlarged to 89 key and used by Messrs. Hardiman of Somerset in their steam gallopers. Later fairground owners include Russetts and a period with the Noyce family in their legendary gallopers. The organ entered preservation with John Crawley the renowned steam engine colletor of Bedfordshire who has made a massive contribrution to the preservation movement on many occasions including being heavily involved in the making of 'The Iron Maiden' film (staring the Fowler showmans road locomotive 'Kitchener' which was renamed 'The Iron Maiden' for the film and also featured other engines from John's collection and many other owners). John continues to be very active in the preservation movement and writes one or two exceptional quality articles for 'Old Glory' each month. The late Chris Edmonds was the next owner, who sent the instrument to the famous Chiappa company where it was fully restored and redecorated. At this point it was mounted on a trailer and made many appearances and gave him a lot of fun (something the preservation movement seemed to have a lot more of a emphasis on in those days!). Indeed Chris had many interesting expierences with the organ and continued to have many hilarious stories to tell right up to he's untimely death earlier this year. One of Chris's regular bookings was for Lord Montague of Bealieu at his famous 'National motor museum' and this lead to the organ being purchased by Lord Montague in 1969. It was at this point that she gained the name 'Lady Hamilton' which came from the organ travelling with Lord Montague's ex Anderton & Rowlands 1913 8NHP Burrell showmans road locomotive No 3443 'Lord Nelson'. 1972 saw the organ removed from its trailer and mounted in the purpose built body work of the Bedford TK chassis/cab which it remains in at present. In December 1999 the organ was sold to Nick Baker the well known Dorset steam engine collector where it was looked after by Rob Harris the very friendly, well known and talented local organ builder along with our very own Shane Seagrave, both of whom put a lot of effort into looking after the organ. May 2005 saw 'Lady Hamilton' purchased by the current owner, Mike Priestner and his family of Altrincham, Cheshire. Mike and his family have carried out many improvements to the display vehicle to make it reliable for its journeys throughout the UK which are often with his ex Jacob Studt 1917 8NHP Fowler showmans road locomotive No 14682 'Evening Star'. Best wishes, Trevor.
Hi Jory, The history of Mike's 89 key Marenghi 'Lady Hamilton' is as follows (until someone with a greater knowledge than myself adds to or correct this!). The organ was built in 1903 and is thought to be one of the earliest organs built by Marenghi after leaving the Gavioli concern, it is thought to have been originally supplied as a 70 Key instrument to Connolly's of Yorkshire for use in their steam yachts. It was later enlarged to 89 key and used by Messrs. Hardiman of Somerset in their steam gallopers. Later fairground owners include Russetts and a period with the Noyce family in their legendary gallopers. The organ entered preservation with John Crawley the renowned steam engine colletor of Bedfordshire who has made a massive contribrution to the preservation movement on many occasions including being heavily involved in the making of 'The Iron Maiden' film (staring the Fowler showmans road locomotive 'Kitchener' which was renamed 'The Iron Maiden' for the film and also featured other engines from John's collection and many other owners). John continues to be very active in the preservation movement and writes one or two exceptional quality articles for 'Old Glory' each month. The late Chris Edmonds was the next owner, who sent the instrument to the famous Chiappa company where it was fully restored and redecorated. At this point it was mounted on a trailer and made many appearances and gave him a lot of fun (something the preservation movement seemed to have a lot more of a emphasis on in those days!). Indeed Chris had many interesting expierences with the organ and continued to have many hilarious stories to tell right up to he's untimely death earlier this year. One of Chris's regular bookings was for Lord Montague of Bealieu at his famous 'National motor museum' and this lead to the organ being purchased by Lord Montague in 1969. It was at this point that she gained the name 'Lady Hamilton' which came from the organ travelling with Lord Montague's ex Anderton & Rowlands 1913 8NHP Burrell showmans road locomotive No 3443 'Lord Nelson'. 1972 saw the organ removed from its trailer and mounted in the purpose built body work of the Bedford TK chassis/cab which it remains in at present. In December 1999 the organ was sold to Nick Baker the well known Dorset steam engine collector where it was looked after by Rob Harris the very friendly, well known and talented local organ builder along with our very own Shane Seagrave, both of whom put a lot of effort into looking after the organ. May 2005 saw 'Lady Hamilton' purchased by the current owner, Mike Priestner and his family of Altrincham, Cheshire. Mike and his family have carried out many improvements to the display vehicle to make it reliable for its journeys throughout the UK which are often with his ex Jacob Studt 1917 8NHP Fowler showmans road locomotive No 14682 'Evening Star'. Best wishes, Trevor.