This instrument by Thomas Tomkison, #6464, made in 1823, arrived in my workshop in deplorable condition. It appears that some form of wildlife had taken up residence in it, and apparently lived comfortably judging by the large amount of leaves, twigs, nuts and berries they left behind.
Not content with only leaves and twigs to build a comfortable nest or nuts and berries to eat, they also chewed away at the top 12 or so hammers and half of the lid prop stick.
After a great degree of restorative work, it sounds and plays magnificently, and has been returned to the Prescott House Museum on Beacon Street, Boston.
