1882 Organina Roller Organ W/Music Strips Small & Wonderful Plays Great
Item History & Price
Reference Number: Avaluer:4352043 |
While it may be convenient for us to believe that innovative product design began a dozen years ago with the launch of the iPhone, the practice of fusing form with function actually goes back a bit further than that. There were the Great Pyramids, of course. They were around before the iPhone. And the abacus. That was invented before Apple even went public. And the Papal Basilica of St. Peter. I don't think Michelangelo even knew Steve Jobs. So yes, the trend has legs, as the...y say in the movie business. Which is why I get a bit giddy when I'm able to present a top shelf assortment of technical antiquity like I've got lined up for you this week. My only regret is that it may be a tough act for me to follow, but I'll worry about that next week. So check it all out. Seven splendid ancient examples of industry running headlong into art. And don't forget, you can click this link to quickly add and then save me to your favorite seller list and Ebay will automatically send you updates when I put similar new auctions online.
Here's an uncommon and exceptionally nice 1880's Organina "The Musical Marvel, " a pint-sized roller organ that stands just 10" high and uses sheets of music -- fed through the front across a flat bed -- to trip a series of pins that in turn deploy small hammers to activate the instrument's pneumatic reeds. It's a bizarre and complex mechanism -- possibly designed to circumvent existing patents -- yet somehow it works, and what makes the instrument even more appealing (to me at least) is its resemblance to a jukebox, in miniature, which it pre-dates by more than half a century. The instrument was manufactured in Boston by the Massachusetts Organ Co. and is documented on page 764 of Bowers's Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments.
Condition is excellent throughout. Original finish is clean and glossy, with minimal wear, as are the original gold decorations. Glass cover over the mechanism is original, with no cracks, no scratches, no scars, no issues. The bellows have been professionally rebuilt and are tightly sealed, and the organ plays well, especially given its quirky design. Loud and and resonant, with good sustain.
Comes with 2 original music strips, which play through all the way.
With crank installed, measures approximately 10" wide x 8" deep x 10" high. Shipping weight approximately 10 lb.
That's about it. I will pack it carefully and properly. I've been shipping fragile antique phonographs and wireless sets for years, and I know how to get them to you safely. Buyer prepays and includes shipping. Auction participants with no prior feedback should contact me before placing a bid.
00410