Revolutionary legend about hams and organs

In 1793, a story spread in some French parishes about people possibly trading contraband hams to save the tin pipes of their church organ from being melted down during the Revolution. However, no solid archival evidence supports this claim.

Real hams saving a real organ today

In the Saint-Flour cathedral in the Cantal region, real hams are currently being used to save a real organ. Since 2022, hams have been aged in the north tower to fund the restoration of the choir organ, generating about 15,000 euros.

Unusual trade during the Revolution

The story of trading contraband hams for tin pipes is an unusual trade that has been passed down through generations. A small group of parishioners may have secretly negotiated with local revolutionary authorities to save their organ, offering a significant stock of hams in exchange for their leniency.

Real threat to French organs during the Revolution

The threat to French organs during the Revolution was very real. The Convention needed metal, and religious buildings were full of bronze bells and tin organ pipes, which were valuable for making cannons and ammunition. Many instruments disappeared, melted for the military effort.

Modern initiative to save an organ

The idea of using hams to save an organ repeats today in the Saint-Pierre cathedral of Saint-Flour. Since 2022, the north tower of the building has hosted an aging process for hams to fund the restoration of the choir organ. The operation generated about 15,000 euros, mainly reinvested in the restoration of the instrument.

Administrative tensions and new experiment

The initiative did not escape administrative tensions. The regional office for cultural affairs requested the removal of the hams before the end of 2023, citing fat drips on the stone and unauthorized visits in the tower. Minister of Culture Rachida Dati wished for the implementation of a new experiment, including a fire safety component.