Can anyone tell me what material was originally used to cover the
wooden pumper pedals for a mid-19th century melodeon?  I am repairing
an instrument whose pedals some previous "restorer" had recovered with
what appear to be pieces cut from linoleum floor tiles, which he then
covered with a garish red paint, sloppily applied.

For anyone who is unfamiliar with it, the "melodeon" I refer to is a
small, portable reed organ, probably used for camp meetings or other
outdoor gatherings.  This one has perfectly preserved gold stencils
decorating both ends, and also sounds quite nice with freshly repaired
bellows and cleaned reeds.  I would be grateful for any advice on the
pedal material (and color) if anyone may have an un-molested original
instrument in your possession.

Repairing this instrument is outside the realm of my normal (and much
preferred) work.  My forte is precision restoration of cylinder music
boxes, including complete in-house repinning of damaged cylinders, and
all comb repairs including accurately restoring their original maker's
unique tuning.

I wish you each a happy and safe 4th of July holiday.

Reg Smith - Sublime Harmony Music Box Restorations
Gainesville, Georgia
email: music-boxer@charter.net.geentroep