Now the peg board is off we can get at the main swells more easily. These are the flaps that open at the front and back to allow more air to pass releasing more sound.
The swells are based on two pieces of wood joined and hinged by fabric. A metal rod acts as a spring, to shut the swell when not opened by knee or stops.
Someones used this as a home previously.
Now the swells are off you can see the internal flaps much more easily. It’s now obvious what some of the problems for this instrument are…
The internal flaps brass hinges are oxidising and getting very stuck. Some open, some shut. No wonder the stops don’t work and some notes don’t play, This hinge issue has lead to some of the metal rod springs for their hinges getting damaged. This may require some more serious work and likely some new parts too…!