MBSI
Musical Box Society International
c. 1921
Manufactured by Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. of North Tonawanda, NY.
Contains a piano with mandolin feature, 38 violin and 38 flute pipes.
This was the last of the Wurlitzer keyboard orchestrion series. The “wonder light” at the top revolves as the machine plays.
c. 1917
Manufactured by Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. of North Tonawanda, NY.
The automatic roll changer was a hugely popular feature for Wurlitzer. It plays six five-tune rolls instead of one ten-tune roll. This model has a popular CX style case.
c. 1929
Manufactured by Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. of Tonawanda, NY.
The visible instruments included 13 brass trumpets, 11 brass piccolos, 13 wooden flageolets, 2 drums, and cymbal.
Wurlitzer advertised this organ as “especially designed for small to medium rinks”. It was the workhorse of the Wurlitzer organs, found in many amusements parks.
c. 1915
Manufactured by Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. in North Tonawanda, NY.
Contains 37 violin and violincello pipes, piano, mandolin, bass and snare drum, and cymbal.
Wurlitzer produced the cases; the interior mechanisms were manufactured by Phillips of Germany. The model features a carved peacock with a “wonder light” tail. A total of 61 of this model were produced.
c. 1893
Manufactured by M. Welte & Sons of Freiburg, Germany.
Contains 152 pipes, snare and base drums, triangle, and cymbal.
This model is considered to be an outstanding example of orchestrion building. Its “starburst” pipework is voiced exceptionally well and plays classical as well as modern songs of the era.