use for middle pedal on old upright

[David Boyce]

That sounds fascinating, Gene.  Hurry back to the client and take a 
photograph for us!

I have realised recently that I ought to take more piano photgraphs, both to 
record oddities, and for art's skae. I love Carl Root's beautiful piano 
photographs on the ptg website (photography is a subject I have taught in 
college).

Back to your bells piano though - do you think it came out the factory like 
that, or was later worked on?  I guess probably the former?

Best wishes,

David.

"Have a client with a Shoninger upright #7048 dated 1885 in excellent 
condition. Lots of quality work done to it over the years.
It was a gift to a church - they wanted me to fix the middle pedal as they 
say it did nothing when depressed.
On closer inspection I found that the middle pedal when engaged, coupled the 
action to an additional smaller action mounted under the key bed that spans 
two 1/2 octaves up from G5.
This smaller action when engaged is syncronized with the key causing a 
wooden hammer like part to strike a small bell, simultaneous with the felt 
hammer on string. The bells are very closely tuned to the wire when at pitch 
and give a very unique sound - not rinky tink, more like a nicely made chime 
or cymbal.
They were amazed at the little treasure that was discovered behind the 
bottom board and out of sight.
I have never seen this and am curious if anyone has.
Any information would be appreciated.
Gene Nelson"