Rocking Melodeon 1833 - 1853

"Rocking Melodeon" is a 19th century musical instrument crafted by Caleb Packard, an American cabinetmaker and maker of musical instruments. The melodeon, a type of reed organ, features a 3-octave keyboard with a 46.5 cm range and a wooden casing. The instrument, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, is an example of the popular melodeon in the 19th century, known for its portability and ability to produce a wide range of tones. The instrument, with its ivory keys and wooden case, reflects the craftsmanship of the period and the growing popularity of musical instruments in American homes.