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This decade of organ production highlights the influence of Victorian era excesses in case design. The Fort Wayne Organ Company produced some remarkable examples of detailed craftsmanship. I have attempted to list the organs in approximate chronological order, though many of the models were produced for a number of years throughout this decade.  By 1897, the design excesses had been greatly curtailed, and many of the designs associated with post-1900 production were actually initially produced beginning circa 1897.

The initial group of organs through Case 540 were first produced circa 1888 and continued into production into the early 1890s.

Where the company changed the design but maintained the original case number, I have grouped the variations together rather than leaving them in chronological order.

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge.

 

Chapel Organ Case 450

When it was first introduced, circa 1888, this chapel organ was the top of the line for single manual chapel instruments. It had a very elaborate case, front and back.

Case 500 without Mirror

This is another example of an organ that was actually introduced circa 1888 and was offered with an optional mirror in place of the rectangular panel above the music rack. Of course, the mirror was at an additional cost.

Case 500 with Mirror

The original purchaser of this organ parted with the extra cost required to have the mirror.

Case 510

This is a rare early photograph of a Packard organ. It is unknown whether they are salesmen or pupil/teacher. This case design also appeared in the 1888 catalog and into the early 1890s.

Case 530

An unusual case design, this first appeared in the circa 1888 catalog.

Case 540

This elaborate design featured a center door with clear glass for displaying decorative items. Some of the catalog cuts feature a curtain behind the glass; others show it without. It also first appeared in the circa 1888 catalog.

Case 540 Top

Case 390, Version 2 without Mirror

Case 390 design was a popular organ in the Fort Wayne Organ Company line. The earliest version appeared circa 1888 with two later revisions appearing during the next decade. Versions 1 and 2 (pictured above) came either with or without mirror.

Case 390, Version 2 without Mirror (detail)

This instrument is located in England and sports small brass candlestick holders mounted on either side of the music rack.

Case 390, Version 2 with Optional Mirror

Case 390, Version 3

The final version of Case 390 sported a circular mirror.

Case 390, Version 3 Top

Chapel Organ Case 480

This is the earliest version of Chapel Organ Case 480, introduced circa 1893. This case design could be ordered with an optional pipe top. As seen in this photo, it does not have a top gallery of any kind. It is also made in oak, which was an additional cost over the traditional walnut.

Chapel Organ Case 480, Version 2

Beginning around 1896, a gallery was added to the top of the organ when the optional pipe top was not ordered.

Case 570

This exquisite case design was advertised around the time of the Columbian Exhibition as having been ordered by the Empress of Germany. According to the literature, it was only available in oak, as in the example above.

Case 570

Side view

Case 580

When this design was introduced--about the time of the Columbian Exhibition of 1893--it was the flagship model of the Fort Wayne Organ Company line and was featured in numerous advertisements. Its elaborate case reaches the height of Victorian excess.

Case Style Unknown

Circa 1897

Case Style Unknown

Circa 1897. The simplicity of this case was indicative of the direction that organ design was beginning to take moving into the early 20th century. Lack of a mirror would also seem to indicate that this was a low cost entry-level model.