Mechanical Music Mechanical Music
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments

Volume 66, No. 1 January/February 2020

PuRchAse ¥ sAles ¥ consignment

of Quality Cylinder & Disc Music Boxes, Musical Clocks & Automata

For over forty years weÕve placed fine antiques in collections around the world.
Our reputation has been built upon appreciative buyers and satisfied sellers.
Pictured are a few of the musical antiques in our current and recent inventories.

496 First Street, California 93463 ¥ Ron & Julie Palladino
Open Seven Days a Week 10-6 ¥ 805-452-5700
www.renantiques.com

Visit the charming Danish Village of Solvang, half an hour above Santa Barbara in the beautiful Central Coast Wine Country
RENAISSANCE ANTIQUE S

Renaissance Antiques of solvang

Mechanical Music (ISSN 1045-795X) is published by
the Musical Box Society International, 130 Coral Court,
Pismo Beach, CA 93449 six times per year. A Directory
of Members, Museums and Dealers is published
biennially. Domestic subscription rate, $60. Periodicals
postage paid at San Luis Obispo, CA and additional
mailing offices.

Copyright 2020. The Musical Box Society International,
all rights reserved. Mechanical Music
cannot be copied, reproduced or transmitted in
whole or in part in any form whatsoever without
written consent of the Editor and the Executive
Committee.

MEMBERS: SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO:
MBSI, PO Box 10196,
Springfield, MO 65808-0196
Or, make corrections on the website at www.mbsi.org.

POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO

MBSI, PO Box 10196,
Springfield, MO 65808-0196

Editor/Publisher

Russell Kasselman

(253) 228-1634

editor@mbsi.org

MBSI Editorial Office:

Iron Dog Media

130 Coral Court

Pismo Beach, CA 93449

editor@mbsi.org

Publications Chair

Bob Caletti

All manuscripts will be subject to editorial
review. Articles submitted for publication may
be edited or rejected at the discretion of the
Publications Committee and the Editorial
Staff. The article will not be published with
significant changes without the authorÕs
approval. All articles are considered to be the
authorÕs personal opinion. The author may be
asked to substantiate his/her statements.

Mechanical Music

Journal of the Musical Box Society International

Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments

Volume 66, No. 1 January/February 2020

MBSI NEWS

5 PresidentÕs Message
7 EditorÕs Notes
14 MBSI Awards

Features

8 Nickel Notes
by Matt Jaro

16 A mysterious roll from
the Aeolian Company

25 Preserving the past

On the Cover
John MartinÕs 20-inch Criterion disc
box came from an unusual location
and operated with an uncommon
motor. Then it got a unique
upgrade. See more on Page 19.
Provenance of a
Swiss cylinder box

Ken Gordon can trace ownership of
his cylinder box from manufacture to
today. Page 23.

Chapter Reports

32 Snowbelt
35 Southeast
38 Southern California
43 Southern California
46 Golden Gate
49 Golden Gate
51 National Capital
54 National Capital

MBSI has replanted 78 trees so far as part
of the Print ReLeaf program.

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 3

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
M
M
echanical music is a fascinating hobby! It
appeals to the artist, historian, craftsman, and

musician all at the same time. Play an automatic

musical instrument in a room full of people and all else

will stop as the machine enraptures the audience with the

sparkling melodies of yesteryear!

Mechanical music instruments are any sort of automatical

ly-played machine that produces melodic sound including

discs and cylinder music boxes that pluck a steel comb;

orchestrions and organs that engage many instruments at

once using vacuum and air pressure; player and reproducing

pianos that use variable vacuum to strike piano wires; pho

nographs; and self-playing stringed, wind, and percussion

instruments of any kind.

The Musical Box Society International, chartered by the

New York State Board of Regents, is a nonprofit society

dedicated to the enjoyment, study, and preservation of

automatic musical instruments. Founded in 1949, it now

has members around the world, and supports various

educational projects.

Regional chapters and an Annual Meeting held each year
in different cities within the United States enable members
to visit collections, exchange ideas, and attend educational
workshops. Members receive six issues of the journal,
Mechanical Music, which also contains advertising space
for members who wish to buy, sell, and restore mechanical
musical instruments and related items. Members also
receive the biennial MBSI Directory of Members, Museums,
and Dealers.

The only requirements for membership are an interest in
automatic music machines and the desire to share information
about them. And youÕll take pride in knowing you
are contributing to the preservation of these marvelous
examples of bygone craftsmanship.

More Information online at www.MBSI.org, or

Call: (417) 886-8839, or

Email: jbeeman.mbsi@att.net

Copy this page, and give it to a potential new member. Spread the word about MBSI.

Last name First Name Initial

Last Name First Name Initial

Address

City State / Zip Postal Code / Country

Phone Fax E-mail

Sponsor (optional)

Membership Dues

US members (per household)……………………………………….$60
Student Membership $20

(online journal access only)

Canada…………………………………………………………………………$70
Other International………………………………………………………$75

(Add $20 for International air mail.)

Join online: www.mbsi.org/join-mbsi

Check or Money Order Payable to: MBSI Treasurer (US Funds Only)
Mail to: New Member Registration – MBSI
PO Box 10196
Springfield, MO 65808-0196

Visa/MasterCard

Exp. Date CCV

Signature

4 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

By Tom Kuehn

MBSI President

One of the missions of our society
is education. Serving as a faculty
member for 40 years at two universities,
I appreciate the challenges
and rewards of a good educational
experience. I also am aware that many
of our members are unable to attend
annual meetings where educational
workshops on mechanical music are
presented. The fact that a good number
of these workshops are recorded
and posted on our website goes a long
way toward bridging this education
gap. Any MBSI member with internet
access can view the videos at any time
and those who attended the meeting
in person can watch the sessions they
missed.

We have amazing talent within our
organization and these videos showcase
some of it. One of my objectives
has been to improve the quality of the
videos using state-of-the-art camera
equipment and wireless microphones.
Our three videographers, Lowell
Boehland, Rich Poppe and Buzz Rosa
deserve our thanks for their time and
effort in recording the sessions. Rich
Poppe and Rick Swaney also contribute
to the final editing of the videos.
By the time you read this, the following
workshops presented in Rockville,
MD, last summer should be available
for viewing on www.MBSI.org:

¥ ÒItÕs All About Crank OrgansÓ
Terry Bender
¥ ÒÔSleeping BeautiesÕ: A Happy
Ending or ÔGrimmÕ Fairy TaleÓ
Alison Biden
¥ ÒRestoring a Large Symphonion
Ð DonÕt Try this at HomeÓ Bob
Caletti
¥ ÒRestoring a Mystery Musical
Instrument Ð Do You Get a
Disappointment or a Surprise?Ó
Craig Darlak, Howard Wyman and
Warren Officer
¥ ÒRagtime Tunes on the Cob Roller
OrganÓ Richard Dutton
¥ ÒDispersing Your Collection: What
are the Options?Ó Nancy Fratti
¥ ÒResearching our Mechanical
Musical HeritageÓ Terry Smythe
¥ ÒAn InsiderÕs Guide to the MBSI
WebsiteÓ Rick Swaney
If you havenÕt yet taken a tour of
the MBSI video archive, now would
be a great time to do so.

January is the month we ask
everyone for their recommendations
on MBSI awards. All nominations for
awards should be submitted to the
appropriate committee chairs and
individuals responsible for nominating
award recipients as listed on Page 64.
A summary of the awards presented to
recipients last year is included in this
issue of Mechanical Music.

My daughter, Erika, and I visited
some of our Japanese members in
October. Erika is much more proficient
in Japanese than I am so she was
a welcome companion. The purpose
of the visit was to support the re-establishment
of a Japanese Chapter
and to meet as many MBSI members

Erika and Tom Kuehn touring mechanical music museums and talking with MBSI
members about re-forming a Japanese Chapter.

in Japan as possible during our short
visit. The venue was Tokyo where Mr.
Sachiya Sasaki met us at the airport
and served as our host and guide.

We joined several members for lunch
where a brief discussion was held
regarding the steps necessary to apply
for a new chapter, essentially submitting
a completed application form and
a copy of the proposed bylaws. The
group then took a short train ride to
visit the Mitaka Music Box Museum.
We saw a wonderful collection of
upright disk musical boxes, some fat
cylinder overture boxes, automata
and a few pneumatic instruments.
Additional members joined the group
for dinner in the Sunshine City area
of Tokyo. I encouraged attendance
at the joint MBSI/AMICA meeting in
September and several indicated their
intent to do so. My thanks to Sachiya
and the others who made our visit
both productive and enjoyable.

The last item I would like to mention
is sharing our passion and our

PRES. MESSAGE | See Page 7

MBSI MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
EACH ONE/REACH ONE NEW MEMBER

MBSI is always interested in increasing its membership and is pleased to offer new members a $15
discount off their rst year’s membership. You are considered a new member if you have not been a
member in the past three years. This discount is also available on our website, www.mbsi.org.

Current MBSI members who sponsor a new member will receive a $5 discount off their next year’s
MBSI membership renewal for each sponsorship. Attach a copy of the discount voucher below to a
copy of the membership application form on Page 4 of this issue of Mechanical Music. Place your
name as ÒsponsorÓ on the application form.

Please make copies of these forms as needed and send the completed forms with checks to the MBSI
administrator at the address listed below.

.
.
..
¨.
(INTERNATIONAL)
ORGANIZED IN 1949
DEVOTED TO ALL MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
.
.
..
¨.
(INTERNATIONAL)
ORGANIZED IN 1949
DEVOTED TO ALL MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Musical Box Society International
P.O. Box 10196
Springeld, MO 65808-0196
Phone/Fax: (417) 886-8839
Musical Box Society International
P.O. Box 10196
Springeld, MO 65808-0196
Phone/Fax: (417) 886-8839
Dues Voucher Ð$15
New U.S. members may join MBSI for one year at $45 (instead
of $60); Canadians $55 (instead of $70; and, other International
members at $60 (instead of $75). This certicate must accom-
pany payment and a copy of the completed membership
application from page 4 of this issue of Mechanical Music.
New Member Name(s):
Authorized by MBSI Administrator
NEW MEMBER
GIFT CERTIFICATE
New members are those who have never been members of MBSI
or those who have not been members for three years prior to
submission of this voucher.
New members are those who have never
been members of MBSI or those who have
not been members for three years prior to
submission of this certicate.

Gift Membership Name

Address, City, State, ZIP
Phone Email
Sponsor

SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase one or more rst-year MBSI gift
memberships at $45 each U.S., $55 Canadian, or $60 other International
and you will receive $5 off your next year’s MBSI membership
renewal for each “New Member” gift.

Please mail this form together with your check made payable to ÒMBSIÓ to the MBSI Administrator at the address listed
above. Memberships are $45 for U.S. residents, $55 for Canadian residents, and $60 for other International residents.

EditorÕs Notes MAILING ADDRESS
MBSI Editorial/Advertising
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
EMAIL ADDRESS
editor@mbsi.org
PHONE
(253) 228-1634
EditorÕs Notes MAILING ADDRESS
MBSI Editorial/Advertising
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
EMAIL ADDRESS
editor@mbsi.org
PHONE
(253) 228-1634
By Russell Kasselman

MBSI Editor/Publisher

The year is 2020. Flying cars crisscross
the skies. People are living on
the moon and at the bottom of the
ocean. We have made contact with an
alien species and are sending a delegation
to their planet via a wormhole
to see how their advanced technology
might improve our own world.

Oh, wait! Those are just some of the
visions of the future from folks still listening
to mechanical music machines
and phonographs and just beginning
to understand radio as a medium for
communication 100 plus years ago.

Well, anyway, I am quite happy that
we have not advanced past our ability
to honor the past while embracing the
future. I think it would be a shame if
we simply abandoned what was for
what might be. IÕm joined in that view

by many of you, IÕm guessing, but I
know for sure two of our members
who would agree wholeheartedly
with me. Matt Jaro and Terry Smythe
both contribute articles in this issue
that encourage the preservation of
and research into historical materials
related to the hobby of mechanical
music. Both authors provide interesting
insight into some of the research
sources that currently exist on and off
the internet and they have some good
things to say about how to use those
materials for all of our future benefit.
Be sure to dig in and enjoy.

Also contributing this issue is John
Martin who gives us the story of his
Criterion disc box with an unusual
motor, cabinet and backstory. ItÕs
quite an engaging read.

Ken Gordon then traces the provenance
of his Swiss cylinder music box
from manufacture to current day. How

many items in your collection can you
say that about?

David Corkrum brings to light an
interesting player piano roll from the
Aeolian Company that he discovered
while visiting friends in Oregon. HeÕs
looking for more information about it,
perhaps you can help.

Finally, weÕre doing a bit of catching
up by printing quite a few chapter
reports this issue. Some missed the
cut for the last issue and some happened
more recently, but I wanted to
make sure to get each of the available
reports printed to have a good record
on hand for our archives about all the
great things happening out there.

PRES. MESSAGE | From Page 5

collections with the public. A good
example of this is the open houses
held twice each year at Skyrock
Farm in Hamel, MN, where Bill and
Stacy Nunn operate a horse boarding,
training and riding facility. Up to 200
visitors attend each open house so
children can ride a horse, watch a
horse jumping demonstration, visit
the stables, and, by the way, look at
and listen to Bill and StacyÕs collection

of American and European band,
fair and dance organs in a separate
building. A recently-installed Barton
theater organ, a Coinola coin piano, an
Ampico reproducing piano and a Wurlitzer
Mandolin Pianorchestra provide
additional musical entertainment.

Bill also fosters young local talent
for arranging music for his instruments,
in book and MIDI formats. It
is valuable to have current music on
hand, especially when entertaining
those not familiar with the traditional

tunes that were provided when the
machines were new oh so many years
ago. Visitors are often amazed at Bill
and StacyÕs collection and return
during subsequent open houses.

Those who express interest are
invited to attend a Snowbelt Chapter
meeting as a guest where they can
meet other MBSI members and learn
more about our organization.

Hongyan and I hope you are enjoying
the holidays and send our best
wishes for the coming year.

Welcome new members!
James Richards & Mariya Persanova October 2019
Derwood, MD
Paul Bodsworth Richard Vincelette
Dunstable, Beds, United Kingdom Easton, PA
Robert & Judy Burtscher Sponsor: Bill WineburghFullerton, CA
Sponsor: Robin Biggins November 2019
Richard & Linda Claytor
Tracy & Scott Adams Arlington, TX
Newbury Park, CAHelene & Fritz Moris
Freeman Lambright Keerbergen, Belgium
Dandridge, TNSponsor: Paul Torfs
Sponsor: Larry and Jane Beverly

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 7

Nickel Notes

By Matthew Jaro

Preserving our mechanical music heritage

ItÕs been about 100 years since some
of our nickelodeons and orchestrions
have been built. ItÕs truly remarkable
that painstaking restoration projects
have maintained these machines
in factory-new condition and that
modern restorers have the skill to
work on machines that belonged to
a completely different age. Original
music rolls have been recut, thereby
preserving performances and tunes
from the distant past. What other
machinery from an era long gone has
been so lovingly cared for?

The preceding paints a picture of
the bright side of mechanical music.
A darker view also prevails. IÕm sure
youÕve heard visitors talking about
your collections and saying, ÒI didnÕt
even know these existed!Ó Mechanical
music associations are constantly
having trouble maintaining membership
levels due to lack of interest
from younger people. The companies
that made the wonderful instruments
and rolls we all collect have been
out of business for many years. No
one is alive today to remember the
earlier days of nickelodeons and very
few have any memory at all of seeing
machines in actual settings. Even
SvobodaÕs Nickelodeon Tavern has
been gone for many years and public
displays such as Disneyland and
KnottÕs Berry Farm have essentially
sold off most of their machines. The
music from the 1920s used to be
played on television with Laurel and
Hardy films, Betty Boop cartoons, etc.
Now, young people have no exposure
to this music.

As time goes on, these machines
and their music become more and
more distant. Research becomes
increasingly important. This research
is difficult due to the sparsity of information
and the period of time that
has elapsed. However, a lot has been
done both to make original sources of
information available and to uncover
secrets from the past. Even more must
be done in the future. This column
will discuss some of the people and
the products they produced and what
areas still need work. It is important to
stress that only American companies
and music are presented. This is not
meant to disparage our European
compatriots, but I should stick to
subjects that I know.

Current Sources

The Music Trade Review

The music trade papers have
provided a wealth of information
regarding companies and music. The
collection of The Music Trade Review
(which we will call MTR) is one of the
most important. This was a weekly
newspaper that discussed all aspects
of the music industry, including
pianos, nickelodeons, orchestrions,
player pianos, music rolls, radios, phonographs,
records and sheet music.
Art Reblitz knew about the MTR from
college days where the University of
Illinois library had some issues. Later,
Art and Q. David Bowers spent some
time at the Lincoln Center Special Collections
Department of the New York
Public Library. They photographed

what they could. Later, in the 1980s
Dave Bowers made an agreement with
the library to photograph all the issues
on microfiche in return for getting the
paper copies. These issues stayed
with Dave for a number of years, when
he donated them to the Musical Box
Society International (MBSI). He sent
some older issues to Rosanna Harris
(former publisher of Mechanical
Music). The paper was very fragile
and Rosanna was rightly reluctant to
handle them too much. Dave sent all
the issues to Art who spent two years
examining every page and scanning
articles that were of interest to him.
Art had wanted to pour over this trove
of information for many years. It turns
out ArtÕs efforts at scanning ended up
being superfluous since every page
was later scanned and indexed for
computers Ð but the fact Art invested
so much time with the papers gives
you an idea about how extremely
important this source was. I think the
time Art spent perusing and scanning
was well worth while since he familiarized
himself with a lot of historical
material. The National Association of
Music Merchants funded the full scan
job which was done by a company
in Denver, CO, called Scan-Go. After
scanning, the papers were palletized,
shrink-wrapped and sent to the MBSI
museum under the care of Don Neil-
son. Now all the issues are available
through the MBSI website (mbsi.org)
hosted by the International Arcade
Museum. The issues run from 1880 to
1954 with a few breaks.

8 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

The cover of a Music Trade Review magazine. The cover of an early Presto magazine.

Presto

The Presto trade paper was a competitor
to the MTR and there is much
overlap of information. The issues run
from 1902 to 1941. It is also available
via the MBSI website and hosted by
the International Arcade Museum.

The Music Trades

The Music Trades is still another
trade paper competing with the MTR
and Presto. Terry Smythe (See his
article about Preserving the Past on
Page 25) discovered one issue being
auctioned on eBay. He saw that it was
different from the MTR and could add
additional information for serious
research. He bought an issue from
the vendor, who turned out to be a
personal friend of Mike Montgomery.
Then Terry bought all the issues for
1925. AMICA then established an
acquisition fund so opportunities like

this could be seized. Many more issues
were bought, creating an enormously
big pile. Terry has scanned 566 issues.

The AMICA Website

There are more than 1,000 documents
available for downloading in
PDF format on the AMICA Website. To
access this, go to www.amica.org then
click on Members Only. You will be
asked for a user name and password.
These can be found on the first page
of the AMICA Bulletin. Now click on
Original Literature and feast your eyes
on this treasure! Terry continues to
scan documents and post them. All of
the files are searchable (you can use
CTRL-F in Adobe Acrobat Reader to
search for any text). Users of Adobe
Acrobat can index all issues desired
so that a single search can span many
issues.

In addition to the Music Trades,

there are issues of The Piano Magazine;
there are some issues of the
Music Trade Review to fill in gaps in
the MBSI collection. There are also
issues of The Tuners Journal. The
heading Miscellaneous contains catalogs,
books, brochures and almost
anything related to mechanical music.
IÕm looking at this section as I am
writing this text and it has greatly
delayed my writing progress, since I
am forced by curiosity to look at some
of these documents. All you have to
do is click on any document picture
to see the entire document. You can
also download anything. The Music
Roll / Instrument Catalogs is another
trap that will keep you entranced for
hours.

Terry Smythe realized the power
of the Internet when it was still a
university-to-university network. He
built a personal website to facilitate

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 9

putting bulletins on the web. A major
event was the donation of the Billings
Rollography to AMICA which is now
online in the website.

The Musical Box Society International
website

MBSI has a great website at www.
mbsi.org. This website has links to the
MTR and Presto collections and all of
the MBSI publications since 1954. In
addition, there are articles, links to
museums, a glossary of manufacturers,
an event calendar and many other
features. As you know, MBSI is interested
in orchestrions, nickelodeons,
band organs and reproducing pianos
in addition to musical boxes.

The Mechanical Music Press
Website

This website is a bit deceiving. At
first glance, it looks like a standard
commercial website. All that glitters
here, however, IS gold, and the site
contains a staggering amount of information
that has never been available
before. The address of the site is www.
mechanicalmusicpress.com. The left
part of the home page is where all the
action is. Always look on the left of
each page to see all of the stuff. For
example, the part on the left labeled
ÒHistorical Articles and Instrument
ProfilesÓ has a bunch of sub headings.
Click on Articles and Stories. Then
click on something like The Vestal
Press Story and read about Harvey
Roehl. Click on Tracker Bar Hole
Spacing and read a very informative
and well-researched treatise on the
various roll spacing units.

The Mechanical Music Registry
is much more than just a registry of
machines. You will see a section about
the Seeburg and Western Electric
Cos. This section discusses models,
histories, art glass, etc. Click on any of
the small pictures to the right to see
expanded sets of pictures. None other
than Art Reblitz is responsible for this
content. Terry Hathaway provided
detailed information about Wurlitzer
machines and rolls. Dana Johnson
provided a lot of detailed information.

One paragraph in the Acknowledgments
section really seemed to
encapsulate the spirit of research:

AMICAÕs members only area features a large collection of free material.

And, of course, there are many other important pieces of the overall puzzle
contributors of small bits and pieces that deserve our recognition and
of information who unintentionally heartfelt appreciation. If you sent
go unnamed here, but who have, Art Reblitz information sometime in
nevertheless, contributed equally the last 40 years and you do not find

10 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

The Mechanical Music Press website is loaded with information.

The Mechanical Music Library International home page.

your name in the list below, please
call it to our attention and we will be
happy to add it. Additionally, there
are those who have yet to discover
our united effort here, which has
culminated in this Mechanical Music
Registry, but who will someday also
contribute important information to
this ongoing historical log. To these
future enthusiasts we also extend
our heartfelt appreciation and an
invitation to join us in our historical
endeavor.

The Mechanical Music Library
International (MMLI)

Bill Edgerton started the MMLI by
contributing more than 1,000 items.
The library is described in the Jan-Feb
2013 issue of the AMICA Bulletin.
Currently more than 6,000 documents
have been cataloged. Each document
is an issue of a journal, a book, a letter,
a clipping, a brochure, a compact disk
or a phonograph record. There are still
1,200 items to be cataloged. About half
of the items come from MBSI and half
are donated by others. The following
statement from their website sums it
up:

ÒIt is the mission of the Mechanical
Music Library International, Inc. to
collect, preserve, and make available
for reference or dissemination
the following items pertaining to
mechanical music and mechanical
musical instruments: books, pamphlets,
journals, audio tapes, video
tapes, CDs, DVDs, posters, catalogs,
photographs, patents, postcards,
correspondence, and other ephemera.
An IRS Section 501 (c) (3) designation
was granted as of June 7, 2010.
Thus, gifts and contributions to the
Library are tax deductible.Ó

Almost every SothebyÕs and
ChristieÕs Auction catalog where
mechanical music is involved is in the
library. The website address is www.
mechanicalmusiclibrary.com. Documents
of interest can be copied for a
nominal cost. The website provides
an Excel spreadsheet and a keyword
search capability. Donations are welcomed
and are tax deductible.

This year, Bill donated the entire

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 11

library to the Morris Museum in Morristown,
NJ. The library will continue
to be updated and managed by Bill.

The Mechanical Music Digest
(MMD)

The Mechanical Music Digest
provides a forum for sharing information
about mechanical music. It
is organized and maintained by Jody
Kravitz. Robbie Rhodes and Matthew
Caulfield.

The digest can be accessed at www.
mmdigest.com. You can subscribe
to emails delivered daily with new
postings. MMD depends on individual
contributions to keep running. There
are archives, calendars of events,
links to other websites and much
more. This is an extremely valuable
resource.

The Carousel Organ Association
of America (COAA)

COAA has a website at www.coaa.
us. COAA concentrates on band
organs and crank organs, but their
interest encompasses all of mechanical
music. They hold many rallies
each year where members bring band
organs and crank organs to public
places. Their motto is ÒThe Happiest
Music on Earth.Ó Their home page
states ÒCOAA is dedicated to enjoying,
preserving and sharing knowledge of
all mechanical musical instruments.Ó
The site has many interesting features
and should be of interest to MBSI
members.

The Howe Collection of Musical
Instrument Literature

Richard Howe contributed a large
collection to the University of Maryland.
This collection was moved to
Stanford University in California and
cataloged as The Howe Collection of
Musical Instrument Literature, 18541992.
192.50 Linear Feet. It is part of
the Special Collections in Performing
Arts.

The Howe Collection of Musical
Instrument Literature brings together
historical artifacts and documents
from the music industry in the United
States. It contains material about the
manufacture of pianos, organs and
mechanical musical instruments. The

A screenshot of the Mechanical Music Digest (MMD) archive page.

collection is divided into five separate
series: Piano, Organ, Mechanical
Musical Instruments, Phonographic
and General Music. It was created,
and now given to Stanford University
by Richard J. Howe.

The website is https://searchworks.
stanford.edu/view/12282635

The Pianola Institute Website

The Pianola Institute is an organization
based in the United Kingdom.
Their website, www.pianola.org, has
interesting historical information dating
all the way back to Jacquard looms

Ð the first programmable machine. The
term pianola has become an alternate
name for Player Piano. It originally
referred to Edwin Scott VoteyÕs invention
of 1895, eventually marketed by
the Aeolian Company. The website
also discusses compositions for player
piano, the repertoire, orchestrions,
pipe organs and many topics.

The Mills Novelty Company
Website

The Mills Novelty company was the
company that originally produced the
Mills Violano Virtuoso, an electrical-
ly-operated violin-playing machine.
The new Mills Novelty Company is
dedicated to providing music, restoration
and other services for the Mills
Violano. Items are also offered for sale
and there are links to other resources.

12 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

Their website is www.millsnovelty.
com.

Tim TragerÕs Website

Tim Trager has a very informative
website, www.timtrager.com, which
includes original catalogs, items for
sale, an interesting series of frequently
asked questions and general information.
There is an extremely well-done
Violano factory tour.

The International Association of
Mechanical Music Preservationists
(IAMMP)

This site, www.iammp.org, is a
primary resource for those interested
in music roll scanning and the building
of devices to scan rolls. There is an
extensive archive of scanned rolls and
interesting links.

Facebook

There are even some Facebook
pages for mechanical music, https://
www.facebook.com/mbsi.org/, https://
www.facebook.com/MechanicalMusicVideos/
and www.facebook.com/
MechanicalMusic. Personally, I am
NOT a member of Facebook since it
can eat up an enormous amount of
time, thereby reducing our already
short life-spans. If you use Facebook,
however, and want to give me a report,
I would welcome it.

Intertique

The website, www.intertique.com,
contains links to many mechanical
music sites and to phonograph sites.

flickr

The photo sharing site, flickr, has a
mechanical music group: www.flickr.
com/groups/mechanicalmusic/ There
are over 850 photos and 91 members
as of this writing. It is very impressive

Ð you should take a look at it.
Twitter

Yes, even Twitter has a mechanical
music group: www.twitter.com/
mechanicalmusik. I canÕt tell how
many members or tweets are posted
on this. The posts didnÕt seem to have

anything to do with mechanical music.

Books

There are a number of books that
are important to have for any serious
researcher or hobbyist. This list only
includes currently available books:

The Golden Age of Automatic Musical
Instruments by Arthur A. Reblitz
(Mechanical Music Press).

The Encyclopedia of Automatic
Musical Instruments by Q. David Bowers
(available on amazon.com).

The Violin-Playing Machines by Q.
David Bowers (available from amica.
org)

Also keep an eye out for the publication
of The Reblitz-Bowers Guide to
Coin-Operated American Pianos and
Orchestrions by Arthur Reblitz and Q.
David Bowers.

Rollographies

Rollographies are listings or databases
providing information about
music rolls. A few notable rollographies
are:

Ginny and Bob Billings Ð Player
Piano rolls including QRS from 19161994
and the Tel-Electric Company
1905 to 1917. This is available through
the AMICA website.

Matthew Caulfield Ð A comprehensive
catalog of all known style 125,
150, 165 and 180 rolls, including composers
and publication dates. www.
wurlitzer-rolls.com. ItÕs based on work
begun by Gary Watkins.

Jack Breen Ð A comprehensive
rollography of Mills Violano rolls as a
Microsoft Access database www.violanomusic.
com. Based on work begun
by Art Reblitz and Dave Junchen.

Matthew Jaro Ð A database of nickelodeon
rolls for styles A, G, 4X, O, H
and MSR rolls as a Microsoft Access
application. It includes composer and
song publication date information and
lists original and recut rolls. This database
was based on work conducted
by Alan Lightcap, Mike Montgomery
and Robert DeLand. Contact me for
information: mjaro@verizon.net

Elaine Obenchain Ð The Complete
Catalog of AMPICO Reproducing

Piano Rolls. This was a book published
by Bill Edgerton. This can be
downloaded at the AMICA website.

Charles Davis Smith and Richard J.
Howe Ð Welte-Mignon: Its Music and
Musicians. This was published by
AMICA in 1994 and doesnÕt seem to be
currently available.

Terry Hathaway Ð Wurlitzer
PianOrchestra, Harp and Paganini
Music Rolls. This can be downloaded
from the Mechanical Music Press
website.

Future Research

There have been a number of
areas that have been well covered
by researchers or are in the process
of being well covered. These include
music boxes, nickelodeons, orchestrions,
band organs and music rolls.
However, the field of reproducing
pianos (AMPICO, Duo-Art, Welte-Mignon,
Seeburg XP and others) and
their artists have not been covered
much. This topic is of great interest to
AMICA and MBSI members and information
should be preserved while it
is still possible. Someone can make
a real contribution to mechanical
music history and I encourage all the
budding researchers to step up to the
plate.

Apology

I knew when I started this article
that it would be impossible to mention
everyone in the field or every
resource. Consequently, I apologize
in advance for any such oversights.
Please feel free to contact me and I
will try to rectify any such lapses in a
future column.

Email Matt Jaro at mjaro@verizon.
net if you would like any information
about style ÒAÓ, ÒGÓ, Ò4XÓ, ÒHÓ or ÒOÓ rolls.
Also, comments and suggestions for this
column will be appreciated.

Reprinted with permission of the
author and The Automatic Musical
Instrument CollectorsÕ Association
(AMICA). Originally printed in the
November-December 2013 issue of The
AMICA Bulletin.

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 13

2019 MBSI Award Recipients

By Tom Kuehn

MBSI President

One of the highlights of each MBSI annual meeting is the
recognition of those who have made a significant contribution
to our organization or to mechanical music in general.
Previous award recipients are listed on pages 5 and 6 of the
2018-2019 Directory of Members, Museums and Dealers.
The following awards were presented at the 2019 annual
meeting in Rockville, MD.

Unsung Hero Award

This award, the recipient chosen by the vice president, is
to honor those who have worked quietly behind the scenes,
to make MBSI function as well as possible. Knowles Little
was honored primarily for serving as the societyÕs web
secretary since 2014. Knowles handles all the questions
submitted by visitors to our web site. As most of our new
members join through the web site, the web secretary
serves an important role. Knowles and Ginny are also very
active in the National Capital Chapter and have made many
contributions to annual meetings including the most recent
one in Rockville.

Q. David Bowers Literary Award
This award is given to a person who has made significant
contributions to the literature in the field of mechanical
music. This yearÕs recipient, Terry Smythe, has been at the
forefront of facilitating the use of electronically scanned
documents and archival literature for use by researchers
and others who author publications in the field of mechanical
music. Terry has also volunteered his time to lay out
several recent books including ÒViolin-Playing Machines,Ó
the ÒEncyclopedia of Disk Music Boxes,Ó and the ÒEncyclopedia
of American Organettes.Ó His most recent effort
is to lay out the book ÒAmerican Coin-Operated Pianos
and Orchestrions and Related InstrumentsÓ authored by
Art Reblitz and Q. David Bowers. Terry has helped bring
to fruition many of the recently published reference books
invaluable to our hobby.

Darlene Mirijanian Award

This award is given for creativity in the field of
mechanical music, to stimulate and encourage interest in
producing new items of interest. This yearÕs recipient is
Charlie Moore. Charlie has been working on organettes
and their music since 1984. One of his projects was to scan
roller organ cobs, the scanned data has then been used to
produce replica cobs. A more recent project has been to
use a 3D printer to make replica parts. He has successfully
recreated an organette cob using 3D printer technology but
the time to do so requires up to 12 hours. He recommends
the use of 3D printing for other less challenging projects
that do not require nearly as much time.

Knowles Little receives the Unsung Hero award.

Tom Kuehn presents the Q. David Bowers Literary Award to
Terry Smythe.

TrusteesÕ Award

This award is given to a person who has made significant
contributions to MBSI or the field of mechanical music. The
recipient this year is Marty Persky. Marty began investigating
mechanical music in school. His eighth grade science
project was an electro-mechanical device that could
produce sounds by shining a light through a rotating, perforated
disk. Later Marty worked full time as an engineer
in Chicago and became exposed to mechanical music at
SvobodaÕs Nickelodeon Tavern and Museum. He gradually
left the engineering field to work full time in mechanical
music serving to assist in the acquisition and restoration

14 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

Tom Kuehn presents the Darlene Mirijanian Award to Charlie Moore.

Tom Kuehn presents the Trustees Award to Marty Persky.

Clay Witt presents the PresidentÕs Award to Nancy Fratti.

of instruments for collectors around
the world. Marty has chaired the
Mid-America and Lake Michigan
chapters, chaired or co-chaired MBSI
annual meetings held in Chicago, IL,
served eight years as a trustee and has
organized tours and galas at the Sanfilippo
collection for three decades.

MBSI PresidentÕs Award

The recipient of this award is
selected by the society president with
the concurrence of the executive committee
for outstanding contributions
to the society. Nancy Fratti received
the award this year for her many years
of outstanding service. She has been
in the antiques business for more
than 50 years where she educates the
public to appreciate cylinder and disk
musical boxes and is a mainstay in the
mart at each annual meeting. One of
her early activities was to set up an
MBSI exhibit at the Museum of the
National Watch and Clock CollectorÕs
Association that was displayed from
June 1990 to February 1991. Nancy
wrote and laid out the MBSI 50th
Anniversary Book in 1999, served on
the publications committee for more
than 20 years, served on the museum
committee for more than 25 years and
served as a trustee from 2001 to 2009.

Nominations for 2020 awards
should be sent by the end of January
to the following:

¥ Unsung Hero Award: Vice President
David Corkrum
¥ Darlene Mirijanian Memorial
Award for Creativity: Chair of
Nominating Committee, Dan
Wilson
¥ Roehl Ambassador Award: Chair
of Marketing Committee, Bob
Smith
¥ The Q. David Bowers Literary
Award: Chair of Publications
Committee, Bob Caletti
¥ TrusteesÕ Award: any current
Trustee
¥ MBSI PresidentÕs Award, President
Tom Kuehn
A slideshow with more information
about each recipient is
available for viewing at www.mbsi.org/
mbsi-awards-70th-annual-meeting.

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 15

A top view of the roll box

A side view of the roll box

A mysterious little roll

By David Corkrum

This article is not so much about
a search for any specific piece of
mechanical music as it is the story
of lucky happenstance and finding
something quite interesting. I was
returning from the AMICA convention
in Seattle, WA, and planned a stop in
the Salem/Lebanon part of Oregon, an
approximately a six-hour drive.

A new customer, whom I had made
discs for and who had discs made for
his cousin in Salem, had asked me to
come visit so that they could show off
their Emerald Polyphon. I had only
seen two before, so I wanted to get
a look at a third. While visiting and
talking about music boxes (what else)
for about eight hours, my host brought
out a small cardboard box for me to
look at. The subject of reproducing
pianos had come up during our discussion
and my host thought I might have

some knowledge about this item.

The box measures approximately
6.-inches by 1-inch by 1-inch. It was
covered in a reddish-brown paper
with printing that states it is ÒPopular
EditionÓ of a Duo-Art Audiographic
roll (see photos on the following
two pages). Since I used to own a
reproducing piano that played these
types of rolls, I was familiar with
it. The reddish-brown paper was,
however, decidedly different than the
usual tan color I have seen on most
Audiographic rolls and that certainly
intrigued me. The box did include an
end label. It looked like the ®olian
company went to considerable lengths
to reproduce what a roll and roll box
would look like.

Upon opening the box, I found
a small music roll. As I unrolled
it, I found that it did resemble an
Audiographic roll. There was a title,

The Roll box label

or leader, section with the name and
picture of the performer (Paderewski)
and the name of the composer as well
as a short biography. The next part was
the description of the roll and what it
was about. Then came the music. The
perforations for the music and expression
are of the same size as normal
rolls. Three levels of expression are
punched as well as the Òsnake biteÓ
holes and there are words describing

16 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

Clockwise from top left: The roll leader with a
photo of the performer; the roll title with a photo
of the composer; a portion of the roll with perforations
and words to the tune.

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 17

The continuation of roll to the end. The continuation of roll to the end.
what the performer is doing while the
music plays. The description printed
on the roll reads:

A maiden is sitting
at her wheel

singing as she works,

a song of sunlight
and laughter

Only a portion of the roll is present
due to its size. The roll holder is constructed
of a wood dowel with end
caps that are screwed on to the dowel
with brass screws.

There is nothing on the roll that
indicates what it was originally used
for. I am guessing that it might be a
salesmanÕs sample. If anyone has any
idea about its use, I am sure that I as
well as the owners would appreciate
this information.

My email address is musikwerke@
att.net.

The story about the roll and the music it contains.

18 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

A Criterion story

The Criterion disc box with mechanism mounted in a dining room sideboard type piece of furniture that originally may have

been part of a New Jersey funeral home.

Article and Photos by John Martin

As a kid growing up I had a few
insignificant music boxes, the usual
tinkly sounding toys still being mass
produced today. It wasnÕt until I was
a teenager that I learned what music
boxes could be.

I worked for a wealthy family who
lived in a large Victorian home on Long

Island, NY, where I grew up. During
my high school years I mowed their
lawn and did general yard work for
them to earn some money. This family
sort of took me under their wing, so to
speak. They took me sailing on their
boat, and to my first performance at
the old Metropolitan Opera House
where Enrico Caruso, the famous
Italian tenor, had sung. This was in the

1950s before the new opera house was
built.

One day one of the daughters
wanted to show me something inside
the house. I was escorted to their
music room which had two Steinway
grand pianos. Another daughter in the
family was a graduate of The Juilliard
School so I sort of expected those, but
what really drew my attention was

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 19

The Criterion music box with lid closed looks almost like any other antique piece of furniture you might see in a home.

sitting on a table against the wall. It
was then that I was shown something
I had never seen before.

It was a large ornate wooden box.
When the lid was opened, there
before me was something amazing.
A Criterion music box that played
metal discs. When it began to play I
was mesmerized and enthralled by the
room-filling volume of bell like sound.
It was magical. I played each of the 20
or 30 discs the family owned for this
machine over and over again. I knew
then and there I had to own one of
these someday.

After high school, I knew that being
drafted into the military was an ominous
threat, so I figured I would get my
obligation out of the way and joined
the Navy. This turned out to be a wise
decision in the long run because it was

just before the Vietnam era. Ironically
my four years of Naval service never
found me anywhere near a ship, and I
spent most of those years in the Washington
DC area working a 9 to 5 desk
job. I was discharged in 1965 just as
the Vietnam War was escalating.

When I was finally free of military
duty, I obtained a job and started
earning a living. It was then that
remembered that Criterion music box
I fell in love with some years past.

One day I was reading magazines at
the library. While browsing through
Hobbies Magazine I saw an advertisement
from someone in Pelham, NY,
who was selling antique music boxes.
Pelham was maybe an hour and a half
drive from where I lived.

The person who placed the ad
turned out to be Ruth Bornand. I was

like a kid in a candy store experiencing
all the goodies she had for sale, but
I selected a Polyphon disc box that fit
into my budget at the time. Finally, I
owned a nice music box of my own.

Some months later, I began thinking
of all the other music boxes Ruth had
for sale. Off I went back to Pelham.
When I rang the door bell, however,
someone else answered the door. I
was informed that Ruth was attending
a meeting of the Musical Box Society
International. My attention was immediately
perked and I got the particulars
about joining MBSI.

Well of course, I joined immediately.
The first meeting I attended, of the East
Coast Chapter, was at a restaurant in
New York City. The meeting itself was
uneventful, but at the conclusion we
were escorted a block or so down the

20 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

The Criterion plays 20-inch discs and originally had an electric motor to spin the discs, but the motor did not allow speed

changes, resulting in some tunes not sounding correct.

street to the home of Murtogh Guinness
to see his unbelievable collection
of musical machines. I thought if there
is a heaven it must be a place like this.
This was about 50 or so years ago.

Many more years of collecting commenced
and always the thought of
that original Criterion box I saw in my
youth would keep floating back into
my mind. For whatever reason, the
opportunity to purchase a Criterion
never presented itself to me.

A few years ago, an auction house
here in St. Petersburg, FL, advertised
an upcoming auction. It was a company
where myself and my partner,
Norman Bauer, have acquired things
over the years so we decided to look
through what was being offered. One
of the catalogs showed a 20-inch disc
Criterion. We went to the preview to

see it, but noticed when we saw it in
person that it had an unusual electric
motor. The motor did, however,
appear to be original to the box. The
mechanism was installed in a large
piece of furniture that resembled a
dining room sideboard.

We were a bit skeptical of the item
so we decided not to bid on it. Norman,
however, without telling me, left
a low absentee bid on the box figuring
we would never get it anyhow.

Surprise, Surprise.

Ours was the winning bid, so the
next day we went to pick up our new
music box. It just barely fit in the back
of our SUV.

When we got it home and began
to play some discs we found that the
electric motor was playing the disc
rather slowly, and there was no way

of adjusting the speed. Inside one of
the drawers we found a crumpled up
letterhead from a funeral home in
New Jersey that turned out to be not
far from where the Criterion factory
was located. We suspect this music
box might have been a one of a kind
special order for this funeral home.
When the electric motor played the
several hymns that were included
with the machine, the slow tempo
was probably not a detriment for their
purpose, and they didnÕt have to keep
winding it for continuous play.

We called George Paladics who
had done some restoration work for
us in the past, asking if he could at
least put an electric motor that would
play the discs at the right speed. He
said he could and told us to bring it
up to him in Georgia. Once again we

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 21

The unique solution devised by
George Paladics was to mount
a crank handle inside the music
box cabinet and connect it to a
new spring motor via a bicycle
chain. This allowed the crank to
wind a spring motor that would
drive the discs. This left the
exterior of the piece of furniture
containing the mechanism in
tact and the new spring motor
solved the issue of
speed control.

squeezed it into the back of our SUV
and drove it to Georgia. When we
unloaded it at GeorgeÕs workshop, he
asked us if we really wanted an electric
motor. We told him if he could put
a spring motor in it, that would be fine.

Most music boxes have a winding
crank on the right side of the box, but
this piece of furniture has a drawer
where the crank would normally be.
Putting a crank on the front of the cabinet
would detract from the aesthetics
of the furniture design. Anyhow, we
left it up to George to do what he
thought best.

Before we left, George told us that
he wanted to get working on this right
away since he was scheduled to go
into the hospital for surgery in a few
weeks. He made a lighthearted joke
saying he didnÕt want to be in the middle
of any projects in case he didnÕt
make it through the surgery.

It seemed we were only back home
a week when George called us to come
get the music box. He had created an
entirely new spring motor for it. He
resolved the problem with the winding
crank by creating a bracket bolted to
the inside of be cabinet meaning the
spring could be wound from inside the

box thus leaving he furniture aesthetic
in tact.

It was truly a unique solution as he
had connected the crank to the spring
via a bicycle chain. This project was
a testament to George PaladicsÕ creativity
and craftsmanship. Sadly his
whimsy about not making it through

his surgery had a tragic turn.

George died shortly afterwards from
complications following the surgery.
This was one of the last music boxes
he worked on before his death.

So, after all these years, we own
a completely unique and wonderful
sounding Criterion music box.

WE WANT YOUR STORY!

Every mechanical musical instrument has a tale to tell. Share the history of people
who owned your instrument before you, or the story of its restoration, or just what
makes it an interesting piece. Send stories via email to editor@mbsi.org or
mail your story to Iron Dog Media, 130 Coral Court, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

22 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

Do you know how your music box got to you?

Provence Of A Swiss Cylinder Music Box

This Baker-Troll six-tune, interchangeable cylinder box was rescued from a damp basement and restored to its present beautiful

condition.

By Ken Gordon

Tracing the history over 140 years
of any antique is difficult to do. This
story, however, is about a cylinder
music box for which I can fully document
the path it took from Geneva,
Switzerland, to my home.

This particular cylinder music box
was manufactured about 1890 by
the Baker-Troll Company of Geneva,
Switzerland. It has six, six-tune, interchangeable
cylinders with a matching
Queen Anne table. Each cylinder is
13-inches long and is arranged in sublime
harmony form.

I purchased this box in 1981 from
the grandniece of the original owner.
The story I was told was that in the
late 1880s it was popular for wealthy
Americans to take Òthe grand tourÓ
of Europe, copying the grand tour
aristocratic British young men often
took in the early 1800s. During such a
tour you could visit various music box
factories and even choose the collection
of tunes that would be put on a
music box being purchased. This was
exactly what was done by Mr. Hugh L.
McElroy (1832-1918), a wealthy businessman
from Kansas City, MO, who
made his fortune in banking and real

estate. The name of his wife, Mary,
(Mrs. H. McElroy) is painted in the
mother-of-pearl inlay on the top of the
case. I have never seen a box with the
ownerÕs name documented in such a
permanent way.

The music box was later passed on
to Emmett McElroy and other family
members. Subsequently a family
member, Margaret McElroy, passed it
on to the mother of Virginia Wolfe, of
Silver Spring, MD, who sold it to me
in December 1981. Virginia described
herself as the grandniece of Hugh
McElroy. She no longer wanted the
music box and advertised it for sale.

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 23

The first owner of this cylinder box had his wifeÕs name painted on the mother-of-pearl inlay on the top of the case.

Unfortunately for me, she had stored
it in a damp basement for several
years.

I took it to Marv Freund to have the
mechanism restored. The six brass
cylinders were black with tarnish and
had to be cleaned and sealed. The
mechanism was cleaned and polished.
The combÕs teeth and cylinder pins
were in good condition and no repair
was needed. Unfortunately there was
no tune card(s), although most of the

36 tunes were able to be identified by
listening.

The case was in poor condition, with
many pieces of veneer loose or missing,
particularly on the curved Queen
Anne style legs. I replaced the walnut
veneer as needed, remade ebony
veneer as needed, and refinished the
overall case and table. The motherof-
pearl decorative inlays in the top
and front were carefully retained. The
table acts as a sounding board for the

music box. It even has a large hole in
the table top to help convey the sound.
The drawer in the table pulls out to
hold the six interchangeable cylinders.

I have a very similar looking music
box marked as manufactured by G.
(George) Baker. It has only one eight-
tune cylinder and no mother-of-pearl
decoration. It was only in the late
1800s that machining precision had
advanced sufficiently that cylinders
could be made interchangeable.

WE WANT YOUR STORY!

Every mechanical musical instrument has a tale to tell. Share the history of people
who owned your instrument before you, or the story of its restoration, or just what
makes it an interesting piece. Send stories via email to editor@mbsi.org or
mail your story to Iron Dog Media, 130 Coral Court, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

24 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

Preserving The Past

Archiving and Research

By Terry Smythe

In The Beginning

There was a time not so long
ago when doing research was a
labor-intensive occupation requiring
a personal visit to physical research
database collections, such as the Wurlitzer
archives within Smithsonian,
a huge commitment. However, in

recent years, we are gradually seeing
a remarkable transformation as the
magic and power of the internet turns
the traditional research model on its
head. The magic ingredient is digitization
of paper records/documents
into electronic files accessible off the
internet, from within the warmth and
comfort of your own home.

This article is prepared from the
viewpoint of volunteers digitizing

original literature aimed at encouraging
authors to get interested in
research from a contemporary
perspective. In my opinion, every
effort should be made to make it as
easy as possible for authors to access
digitized records, from which articles
and books will emerge. Who knows,
perhaps those doing the digitizing
may themselves get so interested in
research they might start authoring

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 25

articles and/or books. This article
follows the process of converting a
manuscript into a format acceptable
to a printing house.

What is required is a commitment
by the caretakers of physical research
libraries to make a beginning at digitization
of their holdings. This is not a
trivial adventure. I know from my own
personal experience in establishing
Automatic Musical Instrument CollectorsÕ
AssociationÕs (AMICA) online
research library over a period of some
30-plus years.

My personal interest in automatic
musical instruments had its origin in
the late 1960s, when working player
pianos were quite plentiful, although
rather pricey at the time. Seeking
technical advice at my local library,
long before the internet existed, I
stumbled across the Periodicals
Index, a weekly publication of articles
appearing in numerous periodicals
worldwide. Within it, I found reference
the AMICA Bulletin, and most
important, a contact name.

In 1971 that contact turned out to be
Ginny Billings who lived in San Francisco,
CA, at the time. She acquainted
me with both AMICA and MBSI. I
immediately joined both societies. In
September 1977 I attended my first
convention, hosted by AMICA, in San
Francisco. At the registration desk,
I saw for sale bound copies of the
AMICA Bulletin, going back to Vol. 1,
No. 1. I bought them all

AMICAÕs research library started
small by scanning AMICA Technicalities,
a compendium of technical
articles published within the AMICA
Bulletin over many years. That first
initiative emerged in the early 1970s
as a published aid to player piano
restoration with the best known techniques
and tools known at the time.
That digitized edition first appeared as
a self-starting CD in early PDF format
and was included within the Christmas
edition of the AMICA Bulletin
as a gift to all members. Eventually
AMICA acquired its own website and
AMICA Technicalities was among the
first to be posted online.

Not long after, in realizing I may
have had the only known complete set
of the AMICA Bulletins, I decided to

scan them all into PDF format, reaching
a point where PDF versions were
routinely available out of the normal
printing process. All were posted on
AMICAÕs new website and became the
beginning of its research library.

Always hungry for new information,
I began a slow process of building my
own personal library. Having already
digitized AMICA Technicalities
and AMICA Bulletins, finding it a
doable process, I started digitizing
my personal library and posting it on
AMICAÕs website, gradually enhancing
its usefulness.

The cover of The Music Trades from Jan. 2, 1915 as scanned by the author.

The online research library IÕve
built on AMICAÕs website emerged as
a consequence of a profound personal
emotional event occurring the first day
of that convention in San Francisco in
September 1977, where I found myself
in Richard ReutlingerÕs gorgeous Victorian
home conversing one-on-one
with none other than Eubie Blake.
This event formed a strong commitment
to AMICA.

Major Breakthrough

A major breakthrough occurred
when I noticed a single issue of The

26 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

Music Trades on eBay. I bid on it and
did not win it, but I subsequently made
contact with the vendor in Utica, NY.
Learning he had 600-plus issues, all in
institutional binding, I struck a deal
with him whereby AMICA and I jointly
bought the whole collection. Over the
following year, I scanned every page of
every issue, and posted all on AMICAÕs
website, making it then a very useful
research database.

The Music Trades was a weekly
periodical, not unlike the The Music
Trade Review periodicals posted on
MBSIÕs website. Both publications
competed with one another, each
striving for exclusivity of content,
each serving the needs of the musical
instrument industry in USA. There
is remarkably little duplication of
content.

MBSI members who are also members
of AMICA may already have good
knowledge of the research database
I have been building over the past
30-plus years. It now stands as a good
example of what can be accomplished
over time by committed volunteers.

Software Tools

For those interested in pursuing
research for the purposes of writing
an article or book, I want to share with
you the process of shepherding a book
from idea into final publication.

The key part is first writing a
manuscript. Find a subject you are
interested in and then use the research
sources on AMICAÕs website, in Matt
JaroÕs article on Page 8 of this issue
and those mentioned at the end of this
article. There are many more research
sources mentioned in Richard DuttonÕs
article published in Mechanical
Music Vol. 65, No. 4, Pages 21-33, to
help you complete your draft. Then
rewrite and seek out an editor willing
to help you refine and check your
sources for accuracy.

Next, move on to harvesting related
images from books, magazines, the
internet, or even old photo albums if
you happen to find any available from
your sources.

Then comes the digital composition
of the book, laying out the contents in
a format compatible with the printing
industry, creating an index, and finally

putting a computer file into a printerÕs
hands.

Here are the tools I use when working
on a project:

Word Processing: Microsoft Word is
my preferred utility for writing a manuscript,
but it is not imperative that
you use this specific product. Write
in whatever word processing system
you are comfortable with as long as
files can be saved in text format, or
some other interchangeable file type.
There are free programs available like
Open Office that will open and save
Microsoft Word files just fine so that
you can exchange files with someone
using either program. Authors
need not attempt to place images in
their manuscript. This can lead to
sometimes awkward text wrapping,
occasionally even making the words
difficult to follow. All that is needed
is for the file name of an image to be
placed within the text where it relates
to the words and makes sense in the
flow of the document. It is a nice touch
to name images in a way that relates to
the subject of the photo instead of just
leaving an image with a random name
like DSC_123423423.jpg. To rename
an image, simply right click on the
image and select ÒrenameÓ from the
menu that appears, then type in the
new name that you would like the
image file to have.

Graphics Editor: The process of
research often involves reaching
out to multiple sources for images,
which means those images are often
collected in a variety of formats and
qualities. Both the Windows and Mac
computer operating systems come
with basic image editing programs
that can manipulate and save image
files. Personally, I prefer to work with
Adobe Photoshop, and my preferred
image format is .jpg. Again, similar to
writing a manuscript, authors should
feel free to work with whatever image
editor they are comfortable with as
long as it can produce a file format
that others can open and work with.
As the digital book composer, my job
is to convert all images submitted for
publication to minimum publication
standards, which means a resolution

of 300 dots-per-inch (dpi), and converting
any other image file types to
a .jpg format. I find that this is the
most time-consuming portion of the
process of turning a manuscript into
a final book.

Book Layout: I prefer to work with
QuarkXpress. I started using this years
ago and found it to be quite intuitive.
Another option is Adobe InDesign,
which I found to have a steep learning
curve, but will certainly do the job of
creating a file that can be submitted to
a printer. Authors may dictate that the
book emerge in one wide column, two
columns or even three columns. The
layout software can easily accommodate
any of these formats. IÕm currently
working on a new book having 63
chapters, in which case each chapter
is a single layout file. Footnotes are a
bit tricky, as you must choose whether
to place each footnote under the
column where the reference appears,
or collect them all into end notes at
the close of a book chapter. Choosing
between the two styles is often a decision
that is based on the number of
columns on each page. In the case of
a one-column format, footnotes might
look better at the bottom of the page
where the reference is made, whereas
in a three-column format it might look
odd to have a footnote either extending
across all three columns or taking
up a large portion of one column on
the page.

Producing a PDF: The book publishing
industry likes to work with what
they call ÒPress Quality PDFÓ files,
mostly produced by Adobe Acrobat, a
rather pricey piece of software. Older
versions of Acrobat can be found on
eBay, but one critical issue is talking
with a seller to ensure the copy you
are buying is an original legal version,
not a knock-off. Press Quality PDF
files are typically very large and only
required at the very end of the process
right before sending to the commercial
printer. While reviewing the book
layout, authors can work very well
with simple small PDF files to suggest
corrections, changes, etc. PDF files
are ordinarily not editable. Changes
and corrections are best noted either

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 27

on the PDF itself or in a separate document
so that the digital composition
artist can make the actual changes
within layout software.

Optical Character Recognition
(OCR): Is a process of converting an
image of text characters into an editable
document that can be changed
via a word processing program. For
example, if you took a photo of a concert
poster with your phone and then
wanted to be able to edit the date of
the event, you would use OCR to turn
the text characters into the image into
editable versions of themselves and
then type in the new date.

IÕve been working with OCR since
the early 1970s, a time when we considered
95 percent accuracy a very
good day. Accuracy refers to the computer
correctly converting an image
of a text character into editable text
so that an ÒbÓ in the image becomes
a ÒbÓ in the text document and not an
ÒoÓ because of a bit of fading at the
top of the letter in the image. Over the
years, OCR technology has undergone
a remarkable transformation and
is reaching 99.95 percent accuracy
regularly. The critical ingredient is the
quality of the image at the beginning
of the process.

Many times, when scanning an
original document that emerged from
a conventional typewriter equipped
with a fabric ribbon, even using a
high-resolution scanner producing a
600-dpi image, OCR accuracy can still
end up in the low 90 percent range,
requiring extensive editing to correct
the OCR errors. Conversely, an original
commercially-printed book, even
one that is a century old, will very
likely yield a full 100 percent accuracy.

AcrobatÕs OCR capability is quite
remarkable, even when it comes to
recognizing foreign languages, such
as the century old zfi periodicals
printed in German. Text extracts from
these magazines, using OCR and then
pasting the resulting text into Google
Translate (www.translate.google.
com) produces excellent quality
editable English language text that
can then be pasted into your word
processor.

If you are using Microsoft Word, it

An HP 4670 scanner that can be placed on a book to scan pages without damaging
the paper or the book binding.

will highlight the few OCR errors that
emerge. I have great faith in contemporary
OCR.

Once again, it is not imperative to
use exactly the software mentioned
here. The software industry is constantly
producing alternatives that are
often available at much lower cost and
function equally well. Even these do
not necessarily need to be the latest,
most costly versions of the software
since as older versions may often do
everything you need them to do.

Computer Hardware

One critical issue to remember for
researchers and authors is that they
should use software and hardware
that makes them comfortable. I
happen to work with an Apple iMac
27-inch desktop computer for most
of my work. From time to time, I may
find that a certain task may be easier
to accomplish using my Windows
laptop. So, I have both with me in
my computer area side by side. Your
choice of computer platform may be
dictated by finances or by space, or by
personal preference, in no particular
order. I advise that you use the one
that interferes least with your creative
process.

Printer/Scanner: My printer/scanner
is a humble consumer-grade Epson
XP-830, on sale at my neighborhood
Staples office supply store for $69. It
is limited to scanning documents as
large as 8.-by-11-inches but it also has
a CD printing feature I occasionally
use. When I am scanning documents, I
always keep in mind the future needs
of researchers and authors. I always
scan my documents at a minimum
of 300 dpi. If the original document
happens to be a century-old catalog
printed throughout in black and white,
I scan the document in Ògrayscale
modeÓ for best results. If the original
document is in color, then I select
Òcolor mode.Ó I never select Òcolor
modeÓ when scanning black and white
originals. Also, I never select ÒtextÓ
as an option to color or grayscale, as
results are rarely satisfactory, even if
the original document is text only.

Book Scanning

Scanning a book on a flatbed scanner
is not advised as you run a high
risk of damaging either pages or the
binding, particularly if it is a rare,
really old book. When approaching a
scanning project with an old, or rare
book, there are two types of scanners
I have used over the years:

28 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

A CZUR Aura Book Scanner that allows you to scan a book without having to place
anything on the paper. At right, three books that resulted from research ideas.

HP 4670 Scanner: At first glance,
this unusual scanner resembles a
simple open window measuring
9-by-12-inches. The scanner is about
.-inch thick and hollow inside. Within
the hollow space is embedded a contact
image sensor (CIS). You simply
lay the book on your desk, open to
the desired page, then lay the glass on
the book and hit scan. The CIS sensor
moves across the width of the windows
and scans what it sees below it.
Then you turn the page and repeat the
process. This type of scanner is very
gentle on books of any kind.

Contemporary Book Scanner: Current
book scanning technology has
produced an array of inexpensive
scanners that are equally gentle on
books. These are not really scanners
in the traditional sense. They are more
like a digital camera suspended over
an open book. You hit a foot switch
and the scanner captures an image of
the page, then you turn the page and
repeat the process.

Both of these scanner types are
equally quick and gentle. The HP 4670
scanner may be difficult to find, and
I am uncertain if it will work with
contemporary computer operating
systems, but it is worth a try. I still

have one, but I have not used it for
several years. I currently have a CZUR
Aura book scanner which was initially
introduced to the market in an inter-
net ÒGo-Fund-MeÓ campaign, but it is
now commercially available, albeit
at a much higher price. Other similar
concept book scanners are routinely
available at more affordable prices.
Search Amazon.com to see what you
can find.

Why Encourage Research?

Our objective is preservation of a
unique slice of musical heritage. We
achieve that in several ways Ð by restoring
original instruments, by digitizing
original literature for researchers and
authors, and by authoring new articles
and books. These new articles and
books, emerging in printed form
via our official society journals or
available from book publishers is the
life-blood of our existence. We are all
hungry for new information. Our journal
is what binds us together between
annual conventions and chapter meetings.
In my opinion, some of the best
examples of books/articles authored
by our members and emerging from
personal research are:

¥ ÒEncyclopedia of Disc Music
BoxesÓ by Q. David Bowers.
January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 29

¥ ÒEncyclopedia of American Coin
Pianos and Orchestrion,Ó By Q.
David Bowers and Art Reblitz
(soon available)
¥ ÒViolin Playing Machines,Ó by Q.
David Bowers.
¥ ÒEncyclopedia of American
Organettes,Ó by Q. David Bowers.
¥ An article about the Seeburg
Piano in Mechanical Music Co.
by Matthew Jaro.
An Appeal

All the organizations with an
interest in mechanical music share
an equal desire to preserve the past
via original literature. It is good that
it is protected. It is better that it be
digitized so that all members have an
equal opportunity for access through
the magic and power of the internet.
Physical repositories meet a huge
need in terms of protection of original
pieces of paper, but in reality, their very
existence is a huge barrier to research
because many people are not able to
travel to these buildings. Plus, there is
the problem of who should be granted
access to the fragile papers so that
constant handling does not degrade
them further. I believe we need to take
a position of leadership in persuading/
encouraging our sister organizations
to digitize their research archives and
begin a process of mutual sharing
our respective research databases
in digital format. In my opinion, the
long-term survival of all our societies
is very much at stake.

Centuries old original literature
is extremely fragile, and sometimes
is easily lost forever when someone
doesnÕt recognize its value and tosses
it into the recycling bin. Many of us,
as we pursue our passion of collecting,
acquire original literature like
owner manuals, technical articles,
books, even photocopies which all
have equal value in terms of content.
I would encourage you to make it
known to your family that ÒÉall this
old paperÉ.Ó has value in the eyes of
fellow collectors. Perhaps consider
add a codicil to your last will and
testament to the effect that all your
old paper be loaned to an archivist for
digitization and returned. All this old
paper is the very heart of research and

A screenshot of the MBSI Lending Library web page.

authoring of articles and books. I ask
that you please ensure it is protected
and shared, and eventually digitized
and posted within our research
database.

Volunteers

One final note about the importance
of volunteers. For starters, all the
books/articles mentioned above were
authored by volunteers who donated
their manuscripts. I donated my time
doing the book layouts and the end
result is that we now have documents
preserving our unique slice of musical
heritage, at the minimal price of just
the printing and shipping. Volunteers
can make a huge contribution in
support of this objective. You do not
need permission, just simply make a
beginning. I believe you will find that
the results over time will be stunning.
The magic and power of the internet
is a truly magnificent medium to be
embraced with enthusiasm.

MBSI Research Resources

If you didnÕt know, or somehow it
slipped your mind because you havenÕt
used it in years, I wanted to make
everyone aware again that MBSI has a
Lending Library of excellent books for
research. Got to www.mbsi.org/library
and find more than 80 excellent books
useful for research. Regrettably, this
service is only available to members
within continental U.S.

Considerations are underway to
digitize the library over time and
eventually make it available in eBook

format, in emulation of municipal
libraries throughout the nation.

Also, issue of MBSIÕs official journal
is available to current members for
download or online searching. It is
an excellent source of research done
by others, upon which contemporary
research may be built. Some 400-plus
issues are available.

Another huge resource within
MBSIÕs online research library are the
collections of Music Trade Review
and Presto. Matt Jaro does a nice job
covering these resources in his Nickel
Notes column this issue on Page 8.

MBSIÕs website has within it a sizable
video library seen at www.mbsi.
org/video-library There are several
hundred videos now, many emerging
from workshops at our annual convention.
Another huge resource to
determine what other members have
done over the years.

Internet Resources

In the early 1970s I was introduced
to the Internet via a telephone line connection
to my University of Manitoba.
It was text based only, no pictures.
Characters would creep across my
little 7-inch computer screen at 300
baud over the telephone line. It was
painfully slow, but I was captivated by
the possibilities and the future developments.
Today we enjoy pictures,
videos and high-speed broadband
Internet connections. The magic and
power of the internet is boundless,
completely turning the traditional
research model on its head. Some of

30 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

A screenshot of the MBSI Video Library web page.

the internet research websites I find
useful and not mentioned already by
other authors are included here:

Google patents: (www.patents.google.
com) Great source of historic USA
patents, complete patents, images and
text. Searchable by topic or inventor.

Chronicling America: (www.chroniclingamerica.
loc.gov) Ð huge resource
of USA newspapers going back into
history. Searchable.

Zeitschrift fŸr Instrumentenbau: (www.
tinyurl.com/y4gdec37) Affectionately
known as the ÒzfiÓ collection. The zfi
was a weekly periodical serving the
German musical instrument industry
1880 to 1943, similar in purpose to the
Music Trade Review. I found this rich
resource about 15 years ago and downloaded
all 78 years in PDF format,
each containing 52 weekly magazines.
It is still available, but the PDF issues
are not searchable online or when

downloaded. You need to do the
indexing yourself. I made my full collection
searchable, and I am prepared
to share it with anyone who provides
an empty portable hard drive that has
70 MB or more space available. It is an
excellent research resource relative
to German-made instruments. It is
printed in German, but I have found
that Google Translate comes to the
rescue quite effectively in producing
English that I can understand.

Google Images: (www.google.com/
imghp?hl=en) Excellent source of
images from a mammoth database,
starts with a search keyword.
Search results are truly amazing
and often quite unexpected. Highly
recommended.

Project Gutenberg: (https://www.
gutenberg.org) Like HathiTrust, it
was once a good source of documents,
but it too has gradually restricted by
copyright activists, good source of

The authorÕs own MIDI file archive web
page.

pre-1923 documentation, searchable.

Midi Files: (www.terrysmythe.ca/
rebirth.htm) Last but not least, a good
source of midi files that will work on
solenoid type instruments, is my personal
website. Click on Òarchive.Ó It is
the last item on the menu.

Research resources on the internet
keep emerging as more and more
conventional paper databases are
digitized. While large-scale automated
digitizing is still confined to institutions
with big budgets and numerous
well-healed committed donors, organizations
committed to the objective
of preserving the past can make a big
difference. Where automated book
scanning machines once carried a
price tag of $35,000 or more, advanced
book scanners are now routinely
available for well under $200. A most
recent critical breakthrough, in my
opinion, is a digital camera combined
with software that ÒflattensÓ the
curved pages of a book, leaving only
the page turning to the volunteer. I
have obtained one of these scanners,
and IÕm finding it useful, and easy to
use. Feel free to contact me for details
about this new scanning technology.

I look forward to sharing more of my
digital archive with you in the future
and hope you will do the same for me.

Feel free to contact me at: smythe@
shaw.ca

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 31

Snowbelt Chapter

Chair: Tracy Tolzmann
Reporter: Merrie Tolzmann
Photographer: Tracy Tolzmann

Aug. 17, 2019 – Big Lake, MN

The Snowbelt Chapter met at Gary
Goldsmith and Alex StolitzaÕs Big
Lake, MN, home on Aug. 17, 2019, for
a sunny afternoon of camaraderie and
listening to many fine musical boxes.
The Northern Lights Chapter of the
Automatic Musical Instrument CollectorsÕ
Association (AMICA) joined
us, along with some members of the
Land OÕ Lakes Theater Organ Society,
bringing the crowd to 30 music lovers.

A Young Chang grand piano with
QRS Playola system serenaded us
during the social hour which was
followed by AlexÕs demonstration of
the many musical boxes, including
an 18.-inch Mira, a Mermod Freres
cylinder box with bells, drum, and
castanets, a 24.-inch Polyphon and
others.

A Fischer & Sons Duo Art reproducing
piano was also enjoyed. Taking a
short walk to GaryÕs workshop, the
crowd was awed by the numerous
Òworks-in-progressÓ and future projects
that Gary has lined up inside the
spacious facility. The numerous grand
piano cases, a mortuary pipe organ,
and an Ariston organette restoration
are among the many projects that will
keep Gary busy for years to come,
along with a 173/8-inch Polyphon 43BG
with 12 bells! An Aeolian Orchestrelle
player reed organ proved to be quite
a workout for any trying their hand
Ð or is that feet? Ð at playing the
instrument. The large reed organ was
admittedly in need of some attention,
and is on GaryÕs l-o-n-g list of to do
undertakings!

The shop area also featured an
indoor pond of large Koi (or are they
goldfish? Ð there is a difference!),
which are part of Gary and AlexÕs
perennial plant business, Busse
Gardens. Innumerable assorted pots

Our August meeting hosts, Alex Stolitza (standing) and Gary Goldsmith, at the
Fischer & Sons Ampico grand.

Alex demonstrates a 151/2-inch Regina from his collection.

Carol Schultz, Norma Gaffron, Merrie Tolzmann and Jim Alex and AMICA member Ron Olson search for a piano roll in
Kutzner enjoy refreshments on the deck. the cabinet under the Regina music box.

Tim and Jerrilyn Wheat chat with Ralph Schultz over snacks. Tom Chase and Gary talk shop.

Gary demonstrates the Aeolian Orchestrelle that is currently Gary shares the details of one of his many projects that are
undergoing a restoration. currently in the works.

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 33

outside the shop doors were evidence
of their thriving enterprise, but the
harsh winter of 2018-19 wreaked
havoc on their greenhouses, so the
spring and summer of 2019 was not
business as usual.

Back at the house, brief business
meetings were held before a delicious
dinner was ready. Fresh sweet corn
on the cob, fried chicken, and barbecue
pulled pork was augmented by
the appetizers, salads, and desserts
provided by those in attendance. The
beautiful summer day was perfect
for the joint gathering, and the hospitality
of Gary and Alex and their fine
collection left everyone with happy
memories of a wonderful afternoon as
we all departed.

Alex Stolitza plays a tune on a small disc
box

The indoor Koi (goldfish?) pond in the
workshop.

Mike Merrick, Carol Schultz and Merrie Tolzmann listen to Alex
talk about the collection.

Lunch included pulled pork, corn on the cob, fried chicken
and many other barbecue favorites.

Ralph Schultz and Rich Poppe watch as Alex partially disman-
tles a harpsichord.

Gary tells attendees about the coin piano currently in the
workshop.

34 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

Southeast Chapter

Chair: Jack Hostetler
Reporter: Margery Sanford
Photographer: Harold Sanford

Oct. 25-27, 2019 Ð Plantation, FL

California was ravaged by fires,
Olga, a monster storm was threatening
the Gulf states and temperatures
were plunging up North. Clearly, the
best place to be Oct. 25-27 was in
balmy Plantation, FL, a suburb of
Miami. That was where Pam and Joel
Jancko planned and hosted a fabulous
weekend. Attended by 59 registrants,
it started with a business meeting and
mart. Discussion was held on the 2021
MBSI Annual Meeting that will be held
in Florida. Meanwhile, members were
encouraged to bring instruments Dec.
12-14, 2019 to the two-day Christmas
show at The Villages, FL. The city
has a population 120,000, the largest
retirement community in the Southeast
and possibly the whole country.

Saturday morning found us at a
guided tour of the amazing Dauer
Museum of Classic Cars. The 30,000
square-foot building in Sunrise, FL,
Is filled with more than 60 restored
antique cars, trucks and bicycles
mainly from the 1950s and 1960s, and
all in pristine condition

The fun really began in the afternoon
when we reached the JanckoÕs
collection, which they call ÒOur
Backyard Museum.Ó Joel gave a two-
hour fascinating tour explaining their
complete collection starting with
Revolutionary War rifles and going
through early 1900 artifacts. We saw
an antique fire station, service station,
bicycle display, log cabin, general
store, fort, saloon and game room and
a wonderful long multi-stool pharmacy
soda fountain. A delicious barbecue
dinner was accompanied by a three-
piece string band playing Americana
songs. Members and guests enjoyed
a detailed showing by Marty Persky
of the main mechanical musical
instruments. They included an Imhof

Meeting hosts Joel and Pam Jancko with JoelÕs birthday cake.

Marty Persky plays a Seeburg H orchestrion in the JanckoÕs collection.

Marty Persky tells the audience about a large cylinder box Steve Brittain talks with the crowd before performing on the
before playing a few tunes. Wurlitzer theater organ.

The Janckos with their supporting team. Steve Brittain on the piano for another captivating performance.

Harmonica virtuoso Cotton Morlock accompanies Steve Joel Jancko talks to the crowd about the Wurlitzer theater
Brittain during one of his songs. organ.

36 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

Joel Jancko plays one of his crank organs for the crowd. Joel Jancko demonstrates a power machine.

The Sabatella string band entertains members and guests at
the barbecue.

Outside the Dauer collection, members Mark Yaffe, Craig
Darlak, Howard Wyman and Warren Officer stop for a quick
snapshot.

Mukle orchestrion, Seeburg H, Double
Mills Violano, Bruder and Limonaire
band organs among many others. The
evening continued with a great piano
and organ concert performed by our
own talented Steve Brittain on the
Opus 1616 Wurlitzer Theater Organ.
The surprise of the evening was a duet
with Cotton Morlock playing a wicked
harmonica. Attendees celebrated and
extended fond birthday wishes to Joel
on his big birthday. The evening ended
too soon with the fantastic booming,
euphonic sounds of the humongous
Mortier dance hall organ. What an
evening!

On Sunday, members traveled to
the Coconut Grove area of Miami, FL,
for the wonderful collection of Peter
Klein consisting of a variety of cylinder
boxes, automata, tall case clocks,

orchestrion and a Mills Violano. For
an added treat, lunch was held at the
famous Versailles Restaurant in the
Little Havana section of Miami where
the desserts are not to be believed.

Our thanks go out to the Janckos,
Ed Dauers and Peter Klein for the
entire winning weekend. We now
look forward to welcoming back our
many snowbirds at Pensacola, FL, the
weekend of Jan. 24-26, 2020, for a joint
meeting with the Piedmont Chapter
and members of the Carousel Organ
Association of America.

Two very large collections will be
featured. Bob and Anita Wingerd of
Robertsdale, AL, and John and Nattaya
Leuenberger of Mary Esther, FL,
will each host an open house. Come
one and all and be sure to bring your
friends.

Chapter Chair Jack Hostetler leads the
business meeting.

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 37

Southern California Chapter

Chair: Robin Biggins
Reporter: Ardis Prescott
Photographer: Lowell Boehland

Oct. 5, 2019 Ð Woodland Hills, CA

This meeting was held at the
fabulous home of Sandy and Sumi
Lechtick. Their beautiful home was
formerly owned by 1987 Emmy Award
winning actress, Rue McClanahan.
One of the five stars of the TV series:
ÒThe Golden Girls.Ó

The home is located on a large tree-
shaded lot and contains one of the
largest collections of coin-op arcade
machines in California. Sandy and
SumiÕs collection includes mechanical
musical machines, slot machines,
fortune tellers, strength testers,
automatons, orchestrions, and hundreds
of fun items that date from 1900
to 1950.

Food and beverages were available
in ÒThe Coca Cola Room.Ó There was
ample seating around the swimming
pool to visit with our chapter friends.
Forty-two members and guests were
in attendance to see and appreciate
this wonderful collection.

The business meeting was conducted
by Robin Biggins under the
shade in the Luau area. Robin began
the meeting by thanking Sandy and
Sumi for their generous hospitality.
Robin then introduced the guests
and Sandy gave a brief history of his
collecting interests. Sandy reminded
everyone not to play any of the
machines unless he or his brother,
Todd, operated them.

The treasurerÕs report was discussed.
Our chapterÕs finances are
in good order. We then discussed the
upcoming Christmas party. Information
was provided regarding the next
Christmas party, but no decision was
made at this time.

We then divided into two groups
so we could enjoy the collection.
Most of the machines are electrically
operated by coin slots and were

Todd and Sandy Lechtick with a small section of Sandy and Sumi LechtickÕs
collection.

absolutely fantastic. It brought back We thanked our hosts for a wonderful
great memories of the old Òfun fairsÓ afternoon and headed home in heavy
of yesteryear. traffic, but it was definitely worth the

All too soon it was time to stop drive!
playing with the toys and head home.

Most of the chapter members and guests gathered in ÒThe Coca-Cola RoomÓ for a photo. Sandy Lechtick is holding the dog,
while Sumi stands behind in the hat. Above and over the next two pages are various views of the collection.

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 39

Robin Biggins, Ardis Prescott, Doug Nix and Sandy Lechtick in front of a few of the arcade machines and carnival posters.

40 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

Anita Lichtman (left) with Sandy Lechtick and two guests in front of a display of Baranger Motion machines. The machines were
store-window mechanical animated advertising displays, rented to jewelers, and produced from 1937 to 1959 by the Baranger
Company of South Pasadena, CA.

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 41

Ardis Prescott in front of a group of
items used in carnivals and arcades. The
rest of the page features various rooms
found in Sandy and Sumi LechtickÕs
home that is filled with music and marvelous
things to explore.

42 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

Southern California Chapter

Chair: Robin Biggins
Reporter: Linda Birkitt
Photographer: Lowell Boehland

Aug .3, 2019 Ð Palos Verdes Estates, CA.

On Aug. 3, 2019, the Southern California
Chapter was most fortunate to
visit the home of Mark and Gale Weber
as well as their daughter, Rebecca, of
Palos Verdes Estates, CA. Southern
California weather provided a perfect
day for an outdoor meeting which
included various tasty edibles.

Although the event was scheduled
for 1 p.m., the formal meeting was
called to order at 2:40 p.m. by Chapter
Chair Robin Biggins. Diane Lloyd
as pro tem treasurer, reported that
the chapter was financially solvent.
Member Don Caine stated that he had
been asked to present an educational
program about music boxes at the
Banning Museum in Wilmington, CA,
on Sept. 7. Additionally he will be
lending the museum some of his personal
music boxes for a period of time
to enhance its collection. This activity
is part of a plan to place more music
boxes within events to imbue the
joys of collecting music boxes for the
general public as well as encouraging
membership in MBSI.

Robin then introduced a Shirley
Temple automaton. Shirley was placed
on a round pedestal decorated with
lollipops referencing The Good Ship
Lollipop. This particular automaton
was made in the 1970s and owned by
the Reidys. Child star Shirley TempleÕs
popularity emerged in the 1930s. ShirleyÕs
Army evolved as a fan club made
up primarily of teachers. The ÒArmyÓ
celebrates ShirleyÕs birthday every
year in Santa Monica, CA. The largest
Shirley automaton is 27-inches tall.
As an aside, Robin remarked that doll
collecting is the second most popular
collector group in the U.S.

A Serinette was then demonstrated
to the membership. Serinettes are
mechanical music instruments made

Our hosts, Mark and Gale Weber in front of their Philipps Violine orchestrion.

Three early Serinettes on display during the meeting.

Chapter members listen to the Philipps orchestrion play.

Everyone gathered for a group photo on the lawn, enjoying the wonderful weather.

A monkey violin player by J. Phalibois,
Paris, France, was one of several
automatons available to view during the
meeting.

44 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

Mark Weber explains how the early magic lantern projectors work.

Mark Weber shows members a painting with key-wind musical frame.

with a barrel organ from the region
of Mirecort in France. These mechanisms
were developed in the first half
of the 18th century intended to teach
canaries to sing, The word Serinette
evolved from the word ÒserinÓ meaning
canary. The Serinette sounded
similar to a piccolo made up of one
rank of 10 metal pipes which play
eight tunes of some 20 seconds each.
The Serinette is enclosed in a box with
a crank on the front. The crank pumps
a bellows which provides air flow to
the pipes as well as turning a barrel
via a gear mechanism. The barrel is
set with pins and staples which create
the tunes. The pins and staples lift the
keys, which open the valves to allow
air into the pipes.

Robin then demonstrated the Tea
Server automaton created by Leopold
Lambert. She is known as Chinois
Verseuse circadian 1888. LeopoldÕs
background was as a clockmaker
and jeweler. His wife , Eugenia Marie
Bourgeois, was a seamstress who created
the costumes for his automata.

Alexandre Theroude created the
Monkey Magician automaton sometime
in the 19th century. It is composed
of two courtly dressed musicians and
a center placed monkey magician.
The magician moves his head, blinks
his eyes and pulls back his lips as he
magically transforms objects under
two chalices. There are 18 separate
movements displayed within this
piece.

Other items in the Weber collection
included a Pathex Motion Picture
Projector developed in 1922, a Polyphon
Tempo Regulator , and a Magic
Lantern. The Magic Lantern uses
transparent plates of painted, printed
or photographically generated images
using lenses and a light source. Initially
in the 17th century, Magic Lanterns
utilized images painted on glass. A
Polyphon and a Philipps Violine Style
PC 10 orchestrion with violin pipes,
augments the collection. There is also
the Weber organ which Mark is assembling
from various organ parts .

The meeting concluded at 3:20 pm.

Linda Birkitt, Mark Weber and Don Henry demonstrate a Alexandre crank organ.

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 45

Chapter Secretary and Treasurer David Corkrum (center) provides a report-out to the group during the business meeting.

Golden Gate Chapter

Chair: Jonathan Hoyt
Reporter: Jenny Hoyt
Photographer: Jonathan Hoyt and
Christine Hopwood

Nov. 17, 2019 Ð Morgan Hill, CA

Members of the Golden Gate Chapter
gathered for our fall meeting at the
home of Greg and Chris Hopwood.
The meeting was held on Nov. 17, 2019,
and was attended by approximately
20 members. The HopwoodÕs home
is located in Morgan Hill, CA, atop the
hills of southern Santa Clara County,
overlooking the beautiful Anderson
Reservoir. The timing of our meeting
could not have been better. It was
just before the winter rain set in. The
weather was brisk, but Chris had blankets
and wraps at the ready, so her
guests could enjoy a glass of wine and
the spectacular views from the deck.

Relaxation and time with friends
were the very goal of this gathering.

David Corkrum, ready to play his 6-tune Nicole Freres cylinder box.

Bob and Judy Caletti with their Paillard Sublime Harmonie A closer view of the Paillard Sublime Harmonie Octavo cylin-
Octavo cylinder box. der box.

Guests enjoying great conversation in the living room, which
overlooks the Reservoir. Pictured from left to right are:
David Corkrum entertains Judy Caletti and Jonathan Hoyt Lyle Merithew, Peggy Schoppe, Sandy Swirsky, Christine
with a story. Hopwood, and Russ Kriegel.

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 47

Russ Kriegel looks at the tune sheet on the Paillard Sublime Harmonie Octavo cyl-
inder box as Christine Hopwood, Lyle Merithew, Sandy Swirsky and Peggy Shoppe
enjoy a chat.

Show and Tell stars David Corkrum and Bob Caletti share their instruments with
(pictured left to right) newer member Linda Gray-Moin, Chris Hopwood and Lyle
Merithew.

Members were free to enjoy the view,
indulge in a variety of food, drinks and
desserts, and catch up on the latest of
lifeÕs happenings. A small mart was
also organized, and the few items for
sale drew much attention and inspired
conversation.

For lunch, Christine made an
English winter dish, a casserole with
beef and pickled walnuts. The group
was eager to hear how it was made,
and we learned that the beef sits
overnight in a bath of Guinness, port
and thyme and braises gently for a few
hours. The walnuts are pickled before
they develop their hard shell. It was
delicious!

In time, the group came together for
a brief business meeting with show-
and-tell following. David Corkrum
shared his Nicole Freres six-tune
cylinder box, circa 1864. This box
plays mostly Irish tunes, and two
of the more elaborate tunes were
featured in the movie ÒQuiet Man.Ó In
addition, Bob and Judy Caletti shared
their beautifully restored Paillard Harmonie
six-tune cylinder box, known
as a Sublime Harmonie Octavo. The
box has two combs and is known for
its full sound.

What a lovely and genuinely relaxing
afternoon we had! The chapter would
like to express our sincere thanks to
Greg and Chris for warmly welcoming
us into their home, and for being such
exceptional hosts. We look forward
to visiting again!

Mart-goers gather around for a photo! Pictured left to right are: Russ Kriegel, Mark Williams, Richard Hughes, newer member
Leon Alevantis, and Gordon Ulrickson.

48 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

Golden Gate Chapter

Chapter Chair: Jonathan Hoyt
Reporter: David Corkrum
Photographers: David Corkrum and
Bob Caletti

Aug. 18, 2019 Ð Belmont, CA

The Golden Gate Chapter held
a joint MBSI/AMICA (Automatic
Musical Instrument CollectorsÕ Association)
meeting on Aug. 18. Hosting
the meeting were Richard and Julie
Hughes at their home in Belmont,
CA. There were approximately 30
attendees.

The Hughes home and collection
includes a Johnson band organ, a
Dutch monkey organ, a Seeburg
L nickelodeon, multiple disc and
cylinder music boxes, phonographs,
jukeboxes, penny arcade machines,
collector cars, carvings from the
Black Forest of Germany, a collection
of more than 500 German beer steins,
and numerous other antiques throughout
the house.

The clear weather enabled a wonderful
view of the surrounding hills
and the San Francisco bay. Standing
in the back yard, you could observe
planes on approach to San Francisco
International Airport. Members
and guests enjoyed a potluck style
abundance of food and desserts with
the main course being a locally-homemade
wurst and sauerkraut provided
by the HughesÕ.

Judy Caletti conducted the business
meeting, as Jonathan and Jenny Hoyt
were on a camping trip. The 2020 joint
annual meeting of MBSI/AMICA was a
major topic of discussion.

Dave Corkrum reported that the
chapter is financially healthy and can
afford to make any deposits needed to
ensure reservations prior to the joint
convention.

The chapter offered its biggest
thanks to the Hughes for hosting such
a large group and helping yet another
successful MBSI meeting take place.

Richard Hughes, third from right, plays a Nicole Freres cylinder box from his collec-
tion for the enjoyment of gathered chapter members and guests.

Phil Strauss watches as Chuck Shoppe changes a roll.

A display case full of beer steins, just a few of the hundreds in New members Tara Gauthier and Leon Alevantis talk mechanthe
HughesÕ collection. ical music with Richard Hughes.

Chapter members and guests gathered in several spots
around the house to hear music from a variety of cylinder and
disc boxes arranged among many other antiques.

In the garage, members could look over a Wurlitzer band
organ, a nickelodeon and antique automotive paraphernalia in
addition to RichardÕs antique auto.

50 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

National Capital Chapter

Chair: Matt Jaro
Reporters: Donna and Gene Borrelli
Photographers: Gene Borrelli and Paul
Senger

Oct. 13, 2019 Ð White Marsh, MD

The National Capital Chapter of
MBSI held its fall meeting at the home
of Vince Holter in White Marsh, MD.
There were 21 in attendance including
two new members and two guests.

Our chapter hosted the 2019 MBSI
Annual Meeting Aug. 27-31 at the
Rockville Hilton and everyone felt it
was a major success. Attendance of
204 people exceeded expectations,
and a significant number of attendees
joined us from overseas. At the
meeting, Chapter President Matt Jaro
commented that the annual meeting
was a lot of work, but it was worth it
as he received many letters and cards
thanking him and the chapter for
hosting the meeting. He shared many
of the letters with the group.

Many of those that worked on the
convention received awards for their
contributions. They are:

¥ Ginny and Knowles Little for
arranging themed decorations for
each event as well as a myriad of
other supporting activities;
¥ Sally Craig for serving as bus
captain;
¥ Florie Hirsch for keeping
accounts as the meeting
treasurer;
¥ Joe Orens for running the meeting
mart;
¥ Dick and Cheryl Hack, and Jack
and Mildred Hardman, for hosting
house tours;
¥ Beni Jaro received a special
commendation for hosting as well
as thanks for allowing Matt to
spend as much time working on
the convention as he did;
¥ Gene and Donna Borrelli, and
Rory Lehman earned awards
for helping hands on several
activities;
Vince Holter demonstrates a Grand Roller Organ to Knowles, Nan Herrig, Rory
Lehman, Bob Goldsmith, Joe Orens and Mike Herrig.

Beni and Matt Jaro with a Maple Leaf Rag award for running the 2019 MBSI Annual
Meeting and hosting a tour. Knowles Little stands behind in the middle.

¥ Bob and Nancy Goldsmith served Sally Craig chaired the nominating
as bus coordinators; committee for the election of chapter
¥ And Paul Senger for providing officers for the next two years. The
overall communication recommendations of the nominating
coordination. committee were as follows:

Vince Holter played his Wurlitzer Colonial Jukebox for guests.

Vince and Jack Hardman with the AMI Model A ÒMother of PlasticÓ Juke Box.

Mildred Hardman, Bob Goldsmith
and Joe Orens look on as Vince
Holter demonstrates his Brunswick
Phonograph.

Dick Hack, Vince Holter, Matt Jaro,
Ginny Little, and Beni Jaro enjoy a good
visit before lunch.

Paul Senger, Florie Hirsch, Joe Orens
and Sally Craig enjoy a bite of lunch on
the front porch.

Florie Hirsch, Paul Senger, Mary Jo Dresher, and Ginny Little
relax on the porch after the dayÕs events.

Paul Senger receives an award for overall communications
work for the chapter.

52 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

Ginny and Knowles Little show off their gift books for their work on the 2019 MBSI
Annual Meeting.

¥ Chair: Matt Jaro
¥ Co-Vice Chairs: John Wells and
David Burke
¥ Treasurer: Florie Hirsch
¥ Co-Secretaries: Donna and Gene
Borrelli
The proposed slate was approved
unanimously.
Following the meeting, Vince
demonstrated various items from his
extensive collection. It includes a QRS
digital Player Grand, Aeolian 88 Note
Player, Victor Orthophonic Victrola,
four wind up Victrolas, Columbia 78
RPM wind up with silver Morning
Glory Horn, Brunswick Electric
Drive Phono, Small Roller Organ,
Radio Collection, Penny Scale, Rotary
Merchandizer with claw, four juke
boxes (Wurlitzer Simplex, Rock-Ola
1428, Wurlitzer Colonial, AMI Model
A ÒMother of PlasticÓ), and a Model A
Ford.

We thank Vince for hosting the
meeting.

Nancy and Bob Goldsmith show off their award for serving as bus coordinators to
Matt Jaro and Paul Senger.

Sally Craig listens to Florie Hirsch read the treasurerÕs report.

Jack and Mildred Hardman and Nancy and Bob Goldsmith.

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 53

National Capital Chapter

Editors Note: This report was submitted
prior to the Annual Meeting, but because of
limited space in Mechanical Music Vol. 65 No.
6 November-December 2019, it could not be
included. It is being printed in this issue of the
journal so that it becomes part of the ongoing
archive of MBSI material.

Chapter Chair: Matt Jaro
Reporters: Donna and Gene Borrelli
Photographers: Gene Borrelli, Ginny
Little and Paul Senger

Aug. 4, 2019 Ð Fairfax, VA

The National Capital Chapter held
a planning meeting for the Annual
Meeting on Sunday, Aug. 4, at the
house of Bob and Nancy Goldsmith in
Fairfax, VA. There were 24 members
in attendance and one guest.

The National Capital Chapter
is hosting the 2019 MBSI Annual
Meeting which will be held Aug. 27
through Aug. 31 at the Rockville Hilton,
in Rockville, MD. This location
is a short Metro ride to Washington,
DC. The theme of the convention is
ÒIt All Began with Ragtime: American
Popular Music, American Mechanical
Music.Ó

The meeting was primarily held to
finalize the myriad assignments that
go into hosting an event of this size.
As of this writing, the table favors
are complete. The hotel, food, and
meeting room arrangements are also
finalized. Buses have been contracted
for the collection tours. Workshops
have been arranged. There will be lots
of door prizes. The hospitality room
will be well stocked with musical
instruments as well as information on
restaurants and things to do in the DC
area as well as open houses people
can visit on their own. The number
of mart tables booked was more than
expected, necessitating extending
it into a second room. Based on the
registrations received to date, the
convention will be very well attended.

We thank Bob and Nancy for hosting
the meeting.

Steve Kelly, John Ball and Rory Lehman enjoying lunch and a good laugh.

Left to right: Don and Carol Durand, Mildred Hardman, Phyllis Krochmal, Ken
Gordon, guest Gaile Graves (blocked), and Terry Bender are ready for dessert.

Nancy Goldsmith and Donna Borrelli
ready for lunch.

The National Capital Chapter Choir practices for its performance at the annual
meeting.

Alan Genteman, Ginny Little, Nancy Goldsmith and Paul Senger eat lunch and enjoy Paul Senger and Ken Gordon discuss
the nice weather workshop plans.

Matt Jaro, Cheryl Hack, Jan Bender, Jack Hardman and Steve Kelley enjoy dessert Matt Jaro conducts the final planning
in the living room. meeting.

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 55

Spend the morning at the Paramount theater,
enjoy lunch in the lobby and then take a
tour of some of the best Victorian homes
San Francisco has to offer. For those
adventurous souls, a night tour of a
landmark island known as The Rock
might give you the thrill you seek.
57th Annual Meeting of theAutomatic Musical InstrumentCollectors Association& 71st Annual Meeting of theMusical Box Society InternationalHosted by the AMICA Founding Chapter
and the MBSI Golden Gate Chapter
Pullman Hotel, Redwood City, California
September 2-7, 2020
I Left My Heart in SanFran -cis-co
Spend the morning at the Paramount theater,
enjoy lunch in the lobby and then take a
tour of some of the best Victorian homes
San Francisco has to offer. For those
adventurous souls, a night tour of a
landmark island known as The Rock
might give you the thrill you seek.
57th Annual Meeting of theAutomatic Musical InstrumentCollectors Association& 71st Annual Meeting of theMusical Box Society InternationalHosted by the AMICA Founding Chapter
and the MBSI Golden Gate Chapter
Pullman Hotel, Redwood City, California
September 2-7, 2020
I Left My Heart in SanFran -cis-co

GRAND ROLLER ORGAN
The Biggest and Best of the Cob OrgansÉComes with four 13 .Ó Cobs
GRAND ROLLER ORGAN
The Biggest and Best of the Cob OrgansÉComes with four 13 .Ó Cobs
All original -the cleanest example youÕll findÉReady to crank and enjoy!

Nancy Fratti Music Boxes www.nancyfrattimusicboxes.com

PO Box 400 -Ð Canastota NY 13032 USA 315-684-9977 -musicbox@frontiernet.net

BenÕs Player Piano Service
Repair and restoration of air powered mechanical music
devices of all description.
Player pianos
Reproduing pianos
Dance organs
Fairground organs
Nickelodeon pianos
Original historically
Correct techniques
And materials used
Throughout in the
Rebuilding process.
Benjamin R Gottfried
464 Dugan Road, Richfield Springs NY 13439
Bensplayerservice.com 315-858-2164
WWW.REEDERPIANOS.COM ¥ 517-886-9447
Specializing in the Restora on and Retail of Fine Pianos
Available Reproducing Pianos:
Chickering ¥Marshall & Wendall ¥George Steck
Mason & Hamlin ¥Knabe ¥Aeolian
ÈQRS & AMPICO MUSIC ROLLSÇ
ÒWhere Fine Pianos
Are RebornÓ
Fine Art & Antique Consignments
The highest level of customer service plus private,
professional and confidential transactions.
SAMPLE Restorations, LLC.
Joe Smith
Email: mbsi@irondogmedia.com to place your ad here!
This could be your ad right here!
58 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

Join us on the Waldkircher Orgelfest Tour in 2020. This first class tour will be conducted at a slow pace to give you
time to enjoy every day of the 14-day program.

The tour will include outstanding collections and the following highlights:

The tour will start with the first overnight in Amsterdam and continue to Haarlem, where we will visit the Stichting
Kunkel Organ Museum. We continue to the historic city of Utrecht to visit the Stadskasteel Oudaen, and have a
private tour of the National Museum van Speelklok tot Pierement. We will also visit the nearby Holland Open Air
Museum (Holland Openluchtmuseum) in Arnhem. Our next destination is

Cologne, where we will take a scenic Rhine River cruise and enjoy a concert in
the famous Cologne Cathedral. We will spend 2 days in Ruedesheim and explore
Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum. We will visit the medieval village of
Rothenburg/Tauber and then continue to Speyer, with visits of the Wilhelmsbau,
the Technic Museum, and the German Museum of Mechanical Musical
Instruments (Deutsches Musikautomaten -Museum) in the Bruchsal Baroque
Palace. The highlight will be the 13th International Waldkircher Orgelfest for 3
days with visits of the JŠger & Brommer Organ Factory and the Elztal Museum in
the 18th century Baroque mansion. At the end of the tour we will explore
Triberg and the Schwarzwald Museum, and ride a historical steam railway.
First class hotels and deluxe bus transportation throughout the tour are guaranteed.
A tour escort with 35 years of worldwide travel experience will make sure you can enjoy an unforgettable tour.

For further information please contact:
Narrow Gauge Paradise Ð John Rogers -Musical Instrument Tours Dept.

P.O.Box 130807, Tampa, Florida 33681-0807
Tel: (001) 813 831 0357, Email: NGPAmerica@aol.com, Web: www.lgbtours.com
The Musical Box Society of Great Britain announces the publication of two new books
Published in September 2018
100pp Hard Back ISO A4 format [8.27Ó . 11.70Ó; Profusely illustrated in

Supplement to

colour throughout with Additional Illustrations of Models, 89 Additional Lid
The Disc Musical Box Pictures Additions to Lists of Models, Patents, Tune Lists & Serial Numbers;
Combined Index of Images in the original book and its Supplement.

Compiled and Edited by
Kevin McElhone

Originally published in 2012 and still available The Disc Musical Box

ISBN 978-0-9557869-6-9

is a compendium of information about Disc Musical Boxes, their Makers and
their Music; profusely illustrated in colour throughout with Illustrations of
each Disk Musical Box Model, and with Catalogue Scans, Lists of Models,
Patents & Tune Lists.

Supplement to
The Organette Book
Compiled and Edited by
Kevin McElhone
ISBN 978-0-9557869-5-2
100pp Hard Back ISO A4 format [8.27Ó . 11.70Ó; Profusely illustrated in
colour throughout;Additional Illustrations of Models; Additions to Lists of
Patents, Tune Lists & Tuning Scales; A New Section on Trade Cards;
Combined Index of Images in the original book and its Supplement.
The Organette Book is a compendium of information about Organettes,
their Makers and their Music. Originally published in 2000 but now out of
print although second-hand copies are occasionally available in online
auctions.
************************************************************************************************************************
For all MBSGB Publications, please refer to the Musical Box Society of Great Britain website for further details including latest
availability, discounted prices and information on how to order. -www.mbsgb.org.uk

AUCTIONEERS & REALTORSSTANTONÕSStantonÕs Auctioneers,
Appraisers, & Realtors
144 S. Main, P.O. Box 146
Vermontville, MI 49096
Phone: (517) 726-0181
Fax: (517) 726-0060
E-mail: stantonsauctions@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.stantons-auctions.com
Steven E. Stanton
(517) 331-8150 cellular
E-mail Ð stevenEstanton@gmail.com
Michael C. Bleisch
(517) 231-0868 cellular
E-mail Ð mcbleisch@gmail.com
A Fantastic Auction
THE NICK MONIOS COLLECTION
To be held in the Barry Expo Center, on the Barry County Fairgrounds at 1350 N. M-37
Highway, Hastings, Michigan – go 4-1/2 miles northwest of Hastings M-37 to the sale site or
approx. 20 miles southeast of Grand Rapids on Beltline/M-37 to the auction location on:
Thursday, Friday & Saturday,
March 5, 6 & 7, 2020
For years Nick Monios collected with a mission and desire to assemble a high-end group
of Phonographs, Radios, Records, Music Boxes and related items of all types. He was a
perfectionist having the desire that his machines, and the items in his collection, were in the
condition that they were when they left the factory. Nick Monios
AUCTIONEERS & REALTORSSTANTONÕSStantonÕs Auctioneers,
Appraisers, & Realtors
144 S. Main, P.O. Box 146
Vermontville, MI 49096
Phone: (517) 726-0181
Fax: (517) 726-0060
E-mail: stantonsauctions@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.stantons-auctions.com
Steven E. Stanton
(517) 331-8150 cellular
E-mail Ð stevenEstanton@gmail.com
Michael C. Bleisch
(517) 231-0868 cellular
E-mail Ð mcbleisch@gmail.com
A Fantastic Auction
THE NICK MONIOS COLLECTION
To be held in the Barry Expo Center, on the Barry County Fairgrounds at 1350 N. M-37
Highway, Hastings, Michigan – go 4-1/2 miles northwest of Hastings M-37 to the sale site or
approx. 20 miles southeast of Grand Rapids on Beltline/M-37 to the auction location on:
Thursday, Friday & Saturday,
March 5, 6 & 7, 2020
For years Nick Monios collected with a mission and desire to assemble a high-end group
of Phonographs, Radios, Records, Music Boxes and related items of all types. He was a
perfectionist having the desire that his machines, and the items in his collection, were in the
condition that they were when they left the factory. Nick Monios

AUCTIONEERS & REALTORSSTANTONÕSTHE NICK MONIOS COLLECTION
This collection is phenomenal. We have just begun cataloging and photographing, and we
are amazed at what we are finding. Here is a sampling;
A complete set of Vogue Picture Records including the rare examples. 20+ Spartan and various
mirrored front radios including the Rarest of All ÒThe Spartan NocturneÓ Zenith Stratosphere
radio with its mascot the Zenith Stratosphere Cat statue 250; Radios including the rare Novelty
radios ranging from the Disney examples, to Lone Rangers, Charlie McCarthyÕs, on & on. Sonora
Supreme phonograph with matching record cabinet; Victor VV-VTLA (XX) w/gold trim Victor
Circassian and American Walnut examples; 9 or 10 Lamp Phonographs Ð all varieties; Three
Regina Automatic Changer music boxes Ð Oak, Walnut & Mahogany; Reginaphone 20-3/4Ó w/
matching base cabinet; Miraphone Console Music Machine; Birdcages, Whistlers, Roller Organs,
Phonograph Doll, Signage; Victor VI with a fantastic Salter base cabinet; Victor V MAHOGANY
phonograph w/mahogany spear tip horn; Columbia Coin Operated Phonograph; Mutoscope;
MillÕs Coin Op. Peep Show; Catalin Radios; Bottle Radios; 100 prints, pictures and frames, Regina
Hexaphone; Mills Automatic Phonograph; Rare Edison B450 walnut Diamond Disc; Rare Edison
B80 fancy Diamond Disc; Victor VV-XVI Vernis Martin Floor Model machine; Zon-o-phones, A
great collection of toys; Salter, Herzog and various cabinetry; 3 Fantastic Keen-o-phone floor
model phonographs; Musical Automaton; Columbia Grand Piano Phonograph; Rare Nazi Table
Radio; On and On, the list is endless and incredible
Call us early to receive a complimentary catalog of this upcoming auction.
Steven E. Stanton
(517) 331-8150 cellular
E-mail Ð stevenEstanton@gmail.com
Michael C. Bleisch
(517) 231-0868 cellular
E-mail Ð mcbleisch@gmail.com
AUCTIONEERS & REALTORSSTANTONÕSTHE NICK MONIOS COLLECTION
This collection is phenomenal. We have just begun cataloging and photographing, and we
are amazed at what we are finding. Here is a sampling;
A complete set of Vogue Picture Records including the rare examples. 20+ Spartan and various
mirrored front radios including the Rarest of All ÒThe Spartan NocturneÓ Zenith Stratosphere
radio with its mascot the Zenith Stratosphere Cat statue 250; Radios including the rare Novelty
radios ranging from the Disney examples, to Lone Rangers, Charlie McCarthyÕs, on & on. Sonora
Supreme phonograph with matching record cabinet; Victor VV-VTLA (XX) w/gold trim Victor
Circassian and American Walnut examples; 9 or 10 Lamp Phonographs Ð all varieties; Three
Regina Automatic Changer music boxes Ð Oak, Walnut & Mahogany; Reginaphone 20-3/4Ó w/
matching base cabinet; Miraphone Console Music Machine; Birdcages, Whistlers, Roller Organs,
Phonograph Doll, Signage; Victor VI with a fantastic Salter base cabinet; Victor V MAHOGANY
phonograph w/mahogany spear tip horn; Columbia Coin Operated Phonograph; Mutoscope;
MillÕs Coin Op. Peep Show; Catalin Radios; Bottle Radios; 100 prints, pictures and frames, Regina
Hexaphone; Mills Automatic Phonograph; Rare Edison B450 walnut Diamond Disc; Rare Edison
B80 fancy Diamond Disc; Victor VV-XVI Vernis Martin Floor Model machine; Zon-o-phones, A
great collection of toys; Salter, Herzog and various cabinetry; 3 Fantastic Keen-o-phone floor
model phonographs; Musical Automaton; Columbia Grand Piano Phonograph; Rare Nazi Table
Radio; On and On, the list is endless and incredible
Call us early to receive a complimentary catalog of this upcoming auction.
Steven E. Stanton
(517) 331-8150 cellular
E-mail Ð stevenEstanton@gmail.com
Michael C. Bleisch
(517) 231-0868 cellular
E-mail Ð mcbleisch@gmail.com

Display Advertising Dimensions and Costs
Dimensions 1 issue 3 issues* 6 issues*
Back Cover 8.75Ó x 11.25Ó $600 $540 $510
Inside Covers 8.75Ó x 11.25Ó $450 $405 $383
Full Page 7.25Ó x 9.75Ó $290 $261 $246
Half Page 7.25Ó x 4.5Ó $160 $144 $136
Quarter Page 3.5Ó x 4.5Ó $90 $81 $77
Eighth Page 3.5Ó x 2.125Ó $50 $45 $43
Add a 10% surcharge to the prices shown above if you are not a member of MBSI.
*Display Discounts shown above are calculated as follows:
3 consecutive ads 10% Discount
6 consecutive ads 15% Discount

THE MART

CLASSIFIED ADS

¥ 47¢ per word
¥ ALL CAPS, italicized and bold
words: 60¢ each.
¥ Minimum Charge: $11 per ad.
¥ Limit: One ad in each category
¥ Format: See ads for style
¥ Restrictions: Ads are strictly
limited to mechanical musical
instruments and related items and
services
¥ MBSI memberÕs name must
appear in ad
¥ Non-members may advertise at the
rates listed plus a 10% surcharge
PLEASE NOTE:

The first two words (or more
at your choice) and the memberÕs
name will be printed in all caps/bold
and charged at 60¢ per word.

Mechanical Music

Mechanical Music is mailed to all
members at the beginning of every
odd month Ñ January, March, May,
July, September and November.

MBSI Advertising Statement

It is to be hereby understood
that the placing of advertisements
by members of the Society in this
publication does not constitute nor
shall be deemed to constitute any
endorsement or approval of the business
practices of advertisers. The
Musical Box Society International
accepts no liability in connection
with any business dealings between
members and such advertisers.

It is to be further understood that
members are to rely on their own
investigation and opinion regarding
the reputation and integrity of
advertisers in conducting such business
dealings with said advertisers.

FOR SALE
RESTORED MUSICAL BOXES Offering a
variety of antique musical boxes, discs,
orphan cylinders, reproducing piano rolls &
out of print books about mechanical music.
BILL WINEBURGH 973-927-0484 Web:
antiquemusicbox.us

THE GOLDEN AGE of AUTOMATIC MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS By ART REBLITZ.
Award-winning classic that brings historical,
musical, and technical information to life
with hundreds of large, vivid color photos.
We guarantee youÕll find it to be one of the
most interesting, inspiring, informative books
you have in your libraryÐor your money back.
Everyone has been delighted, and some
readers have ordered several copies. Get
your copy today for $99 plus S/H. MECHANICAL
MUSIC PRESS-M, 70 Wild Ammonoosuc
Rd., Woodsville, NH 03785. (603) 747-2636.

http://www.mechanicalmusicpress.com

STREET/MONKEY ORGAN 20-note Hofbauer
w/carriage. $5,000 OBO. Interchangeable
cylinder carved oak music box with matching
table. 44-inches. Three 9×2.5-inch cylinders,

SUBMIT ADS TO:

MBSI Ads
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(253) 228-1634
Email: editor@mbsi.org

Add a photo to your ad!

Photos are only $30 extra per issue.

Email editor@mbsi.org or

call (253) 228-1634 for more details.

both with storage compartment. $6,000.
OBO Contact: SANDY CRANFILL AND STEVE
BARNES, thesteve4@yahoo.com Phone:
(504) 319-8134

MARVELS OF MECHANICAL MUSIC -MBSI
Video. Fascinating and beautifully-made
film which explains the origins of automatic
musical instruments, how they are collected
and preserved today, and their historic
importance, MBSI members and collections
are featured. $20 USD. Free shipping in the
continental U.S. Additional postage charges
apply for other locations. Purchase now at
www.mbsi.org

WANTED
LOOKING TO BUY Grand Roller Organ
32-note cobs. Contact: DAVID COSMO, 845224-
6355, dave@cprdave.com

WURLITZER PIANINO late style with pipes
and xylophone. Also wanting APP changer
rolls. Marches and old favorites. Contact:
DON KROENLEIN, fbac@one-eleven.net

ALL ADS MUST BE PREPAID

We accept VISA/MC and Paypal.

ADVERTISING DEADLINES:

The 1st day of each even month:
Feb., Apr., Jun, Aug., Oct. and Dec.

Display ads may be submitted
camera-ready, as PDF files, or with
text and instructions. File submission
guidelines available on request.

Errors attributable to Mechanical
Music, and of a significant nature, will
be corrected in the following issue
without charge, upon notification.

62 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

WANTED TO BUY Coin-operated arcade-
style working models or coin-operated
automata. Please Contact PETER WALKER,
at peterswalker@sky.com

SERVICES
REPRODUCTION POLYPHON discs; Catalogs
available for 19 5/8Ó, 22 1/8Ó, and 24 1/2Ó.
DAVID CORKRUM 5826 Roberts Ave, Oakland,
CA 94605-1156, 510-569-3110,
www.polyphonmusic.com

SAVE $Õs on REUGE & THORENS MUSIC
BOX REPAIR & RESTORATION Ð MBSI
MEMBERS RECEIVE WHOLESALE PRICING.

40 + Years experience servicing all makes
& models of cylinder and disc music boxes,
bird boxes, bird cages, musical watches, Anri
musical figurines, et al. All work guaranteed.
WeÕre the only REUGE FACTORY AUTHORIZED
Parts & Repair Service Center for all of North

Add a photo to your ad!

You know the old saying, ÒA photo is worth 1,000 words!Ó Well, itÕs only $30
per issue to add a photo to your classified advertisement in the Mart. ThatÕs a
lot less than 1,000 words would cost. A photo makes your ad stand out on the
page and quickly draws a readerÕs interest in the item. Email your advertisement
with photo to editor@mbsi.org or call (253) 228-1634 for more details.

Have you tried the MBSI online classifieds? ItÕs quick and easy to place your
ad. Pay with Paypal and see your ad on the website AND in the journal. Go to
www.mbsi.org and click on the Classifieds link to get started today.

America. Contact: DON CAINE -The Music
Box Repair Center Unlimited, 24703 Pennsylvania
Ave., Lomita, CA 90717-1516. Phone:

(310) 534-1557 Email: MBRCU@AOL.COM.
On the Web: www.musicboxrepaircenter.com
Mechanical
Music
DiRecTORY
MeMBeRs,
MuseuMs,
& DealeRs
2018 2019
Extra Copies only $10
Call (417) 886-8839
Advertise in The Mart

Have some spare parts or extra rolls taking up the space where you should be
installing your next acquisition? Ready to trade up, but need to sell one of your
current pieces first? Get the word out to other collectors by advertising in The
Mart, an effective advertising tool at an inexpensive price.

Fill out the form below and mail to MBSI at 130 Coral Court, Pismo Beach, CA
93449. Call (253) 228-1634 with questions.

Name Phone

Email

Text of ad

Display Advertisers

2 Renaissance Antiques
56 Golden Gate Chapter/AMICA
57 Nancy Fratti Music Boxes
58 BenÕs Player Piano Service
58 Cottone Auctions
58 Reeder Pianos
58 Bob Caletti – Music Box
Restorations
59 Musical Box Society of Great
Britain
59 Waldkircher Orgelfest Tours
60 StantonÕs Auctioneers & Realtors
61 StantonÕs Auctioneers & Realtors
67 Marty Persky
68 Auction Team Breker

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 63

OFFICERS, TRUSTEES & COMMITTEES of the
MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL¨

OFFICERS
President

Tom Kuehn
4 Williams Woods
Mahtomedi, MN 55115
kuehn001@umn.edu

Vice President

David Corkrum
5826 Roberts Avenue
Oakland, CA 94605
musikwerke@att.net

Recording Secretary

Linda Birkitt
PO Box 541
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693
scarletpimpernel28@yahoo.com

Treasurer

Edward Kozak
3615 North Campbell Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
kozak@seldenfox.com

TRUSTEES

Bob Caletti
Ed Cooley
Sally Craig
Wayne Finger
Matt Jaro
Tom Kuehn
Mary Ellen Myers
Clay Witt

MBSI FUNDS

COMMITTEES
Audit

Edward Cooley, Chair, Trustee

G.Wayne Finger, Trustee
Matt Jaro, Trustee
Endowment Committee

Edward Kozak, Treasurer, Chair
Edward Cooley, Trustee

G.Wayne Finger, Trustee
B Bronson
Wayne Wolf
Executive Committee

Tom Kuehn, Chair, President
David Corkrum, Vice President
Clay Witt, Immediate Past Pres.
Sally Craig, Trustee

G.Wayne Finger, Trustee
Finance Committee

Edward Kozak, Chair, Treasurer
Wayne Wolf, Vice Chair
David Corkrum, Vice President
Edward Cooley, Trustee
Peter Both

Marketing Committee

Bob Smith, Chair

G.Wayne Finger, Trustee
Judy Caletti
Meetings Committee

Matt Jaro, Chair, Trustee
Judy Caletti
Tom Chase
Cotton Morlock
Mary Pollock
Rich Poppe

Membership Committee

Chair, TBD
Mary Ellen Myers, Trustee,

Southeast
Linda Birkitt, Southern California
Gary Goldsmith, Snowbelt
Christine Hopwood, Golden Gate
Julie Morlock, Southeast
Rob Pollock, Mid-America
Dan Wilson, Piedmont
Gerald Yorioka, Northwest IntÕl
TBD, East Coast
TBD, Great Lakes
TBD, National Capital
TBD, Sunbelt

Museum Committee

Sally Craig, Chair, Trustee
Glenn Crater, National Capital
Ken Envall, Southern California
Julian Grace, Sunbelt
Richard Simpson, East Coast

Museum Sub-Committees

Ohio Operations
Emery Prior

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Publications Back Issues:

Jacque Beeman

Regina Certificates:

B Bronson

MBSI Pins and Seals:

Jacque Beeman

Librarian:

Jerry Maler

Historian:

Bob Yates

Nominating Committee

Dan Wilson, Chair
Clay Witt, Immediate Past Pres.
Bob Caletti, Golden Gate, Trustee
Sally Craig, National Capital,

Trustee
Judy Miller, Southeast
Dale Tyvand, Northwest IntÕl
Bill Wineburgh, East Coast

Publications Committee

Bob Caletti, Chair, Trustee
Steve Boehck
Dave Corkrum, Vice President
Christian Eric
Kathleen Eric
Terry Smythe

Publications
Sub-Committee

Website Committee
Rick Swaney, Chair
Julian Grace
B Bronson
Don Henry
Knowles Little, Web Secretary

Special Exhibits Committee

Chair Mary Ellen Myers, Trustee,

Southeast,
David Corkrum, Golden Gate
Robert Ebert, Mid-America
Jack Hostetler, Southeast
Judy Miller, Piedmont
Wayne Myers, Southeast
Rick Swaney, Northwest IntÕl

MBSI Editorial Office:

Iron Dog Media
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
editor@mbsi.org

Members can donate to these funds at any time.
Send donations to: General Fund (unrestricted)
MBSI Administrator, Endowment Fund (promotes the purposes of MBSI, restricted)
PO Box 10196, Ralph Heintz Publications Fund (special literary projects)
Springfield, MO 65808-0196. Museum Fund (supports museum operations)

All manuscripts will be subject to editorial review. Committee and the Editorial Staff. are considered to be the authorÕs personal opinion.
Articles submitted for publication may be edited The article will not be published with significant The author may be asked to substantiate his/her
or rejected at the discretion of the Publications changes without the authorÕs approval. All articles statements.

64 MECHANICAL MUSIC January/February 2020

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Date Event Location Sponsor
Apr. 26, 2020 Snowbelt Chapter Meeting Gaylord, MN Lawrence & Phyllis Crawford
Jun. 6-8, 2020 Second Annual Global Piano Roll meeting Switzerland
Jun. 19-21, 2020 13th Annual International Waldkirch Organ Festival Waldkirch, Germany John Rogers
Sept. 2-7, 2020 MBSI Annual Meeting – Joint with AMICA Redwood City, CA Golden Gate Chapter

When will your chapter be meeting next?
Send in your information by Feb. 1, 2020 for the March/April issue.

Please send dates for the Calendar of Events to Russell Kasselman (editor@mbsi.org)

CONTACTS

Administrator Jacque Beeman handles back issues (if available) $6;
damaged or issues not received, address changes, MBSI Directory
listing changes, credit card charge questions, book orders, status of your
membership, membership renewal, membership application, and MBSI
Membership Brochures.
P.O. Box 10196
Springfield, MO 65808-0196
Phone/Fax (417) 886-8839
jbeeman.mbsi@att.net

CHAPTERS

East Coast

Chair: Elise Low
(203) 457-9888
Dues $10 to Geoffrey Wilson
804 Appleton Way
Whippany, NJ 07981

Golden Gate

Chair: Christine Hopwood
chris@hopwood.com
Dues $5 to Dave Corkrum
5826 Roberts Ave.
Oakland, CA 94605

Lake Michigan

Chair: Aaron Muller
(847) 962-2330
Dues $5 to James Huffer
7930 N. Kildare
Skokie, Illinois 60076

Mid-America

Chair: Rob Pollock
(937) 508-4984
Dues $10 to Harold Wade
4616 Boneta Road
Medina, OH 44256

National Capital

Chair: Matthew Jaro
(301) 482-2008
Dues $5 to Florie Hirsch
8917 Wooden Bridge Road
Potomac, MD 20854

Northwest International

Chair: Rick Swaney
(425) 836-3586
Dues $7.50/person to Kathy Baer
8210 Comox Road
Blaine, WA 98230

Piedmont

Chair: Vernon Gantt
(919) 264-2222
vgjr123@yahoo.com
Dues $10 to Vernon Gantt
PO Box 20238
Raleigh, NC 27619

Snowbelt

Chair: Tracy Tolzmann
(651) 674-5149
Dues $10 to Gary Goldsmith
17160 – 245th Avenue
Big Lake, MN 55309

Traveling MBSI Display
Bill Endlein
21547 NW 154th Pl.
High Springs, FL 32643-4519
Phone (386) 454-8359
sembsi@yahoo.com

Regina Certificates: Cost $5.
B Bronson
Box 154
Dundee, MI 48131
Phone (734) 529-2087
art@d-pcomm.net

Advertising for Mechanical Music
Russell Kasselman
Iron Dog Media
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Phone (253) 228-1634
editor@mbsi.org

CHAPTERS

Southeast

Chair: Jack Hostetler
(352) 633-1942
Dues $5 to Clay Witt
820 Del Rio Way Unit 203
Merritt Island, FL 32953

Southern California

Chair: Robin Biggins
(310) 377-1472
Dues $10 to Diane Lloyd
1201 Edgeview Drive
Cowan Hgts, CA 92705

Museum Donations
Sally Craig,
2720 Old Orchard Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone (717) 295-9188
rosebud441@juno.com

MBSI website
Rick Swaney,
4302 209th Avenue NE
Sammamish, WA 98074
Phone (425) 836-3586
r_swaney@msn.com

Web Secretary
Knowles Little
9109 Scott Dr.
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone (301) 762-6253
kglittle@verizon.net

Sunbelt

Chair: Ray Dickey
(713) 467-0349
Dues $10 to Diane Caudill
4585 Felder Road
Washington, TX 77880

Copyright 2020 the Musical Box Society International, all rights reserved. Permission to reproduce by any means, in whole or in part, must be obtained in writing
from the MBSI Executive Committee and the Editor. Mechanical Music is published in the even months. ISSN 1045-795X

January/February 2020 MECHANICAL MUSIC 65

HALF PAGE
HORIZONTAL
7.25Ó x 4.5Ó
QUARTER
PAGE
3.5Ó x 4.5Ó
EIGHTH
PAGE
3.5Ó x 2.125Ó
Mechanical Music
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Mechanical Music
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments
Volume 63, No. 3 May/June 2017
Mechanical Music
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments
Volume 63, No. 1 January/February 2017
DISPLAY ADVERTISING DIMENSIONS & PER ISSUE COSTS
Dimensions 1 issue 2-3 issues 4-6 issues
Back Cover 8.75Ó x 11.25Ó $600 $540 $510
Inside Covers 8.75Ó x 11.25Ó $450 $405 $383
Full Page 7.25Ó x 9.75Ó $290 $261 $247
Half Page 7.25Ó x 4.5Ó $160 $144 $136
Quarter Page 3.5Ó x 4.5Ó $90 $81 $77
Eighth Page 3.5Ó x 2.125Ó $50 $45 $43
Non-members pay a 10% surcharge on the above rates
Display Discounts shown above are calculated as follows:
3 consecutive ads 10% Discount
6 consecutive ads 15% Discount
FULL PAGE
8.75Ó X 11.25Ó
(0.5Ó bleed)
7.25Ó x 9.75Ó
(live area)
PRODUCTION SCHEDULE
ISSUE NAME ADS DUE DELIVERED ON
January/February December 1 January 1
March/April February 1 March 1
May/June April 1 May 1
July/August June 1 July 1
September/October August 1 September 1
November/December October 1 November 1
Mechanical Music is printed on 70 lb gloss
paper, with a 100 lb gloss cover, saddle-
stitched. Trim size is 8.25Ó x 10.75Ó.
Artwork is accepted in the following formats:
PDF, PSD, AI, EPS, TIF. All images
and colors should be CMYK or Grayscale
and all fonts should be embedded or
converted to outlines. Images should be a
minimum of 300 dpi resolution.
Email fi les to:
mbsi@irondogmedia.com
USPS or Fed Ex to:
Iron Dog Media, LLC
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Mechanical Music is mailed to more
than 1,500 members of the Musical
Box Society International six (6) times
per year.
PRINTING & ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS
CIRCULATION
ALL ADS MUST
BE PREPAID
The Musical Box Society International
accepts VISA, Mastercard and online
payments via PayPal.
Contact MBSI Publisher Russell Kasselman at (253) 228-1634 or editor@mbsi.org
CLASSIFIED ADS
¥ 47¢ per word
¥ ALL CAPS, italicized and
bold words: 60¢ each.
¥ Minimum Charge: $11.
¥ Limit: One ad in each
category
¥ Format: See ads for style
¥ Restrictions: Ads are strictly
limited to mechanical musical
instruments and related
items and services

MARTY PERSKY

Instrument Brokering & Locating / Appraisals / Inspections / Free Consultation

Welte 4 Concert Ruth 38 Popper Felix
Mortier 84 key CafŽ Hupfeld Helios II/25 PianOrchestra 33 Violina Orchestra

Northern California
Instrument
Bow Front Violano Niemuth 45-Key Bacigalupo Original Seeburg KT Special $14,000

Visit www.Mechmusic.com for information on these and other fine instruments.

T: 847-675-6144 Email: Marty@Mechmusic.com

Nicole Frres Musical Box with Bells and
Chinoiserie Automata, c. 1885
Sold: 11.300  / $ 12.880
Station Musical Box Chalet by
Mermod Frres, c. 1900
Sold: 27.700  / $ 31.580
Very Rare Symphonion
ÒNon Plus UltraÓ Disc-Changing
Musical Box, c. 1900
Sold: 44.070  / $ 51.560
Silver-Gilt and Enamel Singing Bird
Box by Charles Bruguier, c. 1845
Sold: 32.740  / $ 37.300
Monkey Fisherman
Automaton by
Jean Phalibois, c. 1885
Sold: 11.300  / $ 12.850
Exceptional Gold Musical Presentation Snuffbox, c. 1810
Sold: 17.600  / $ 20.050 Rare Curved Musical Gold Snuffbox
(18 Karat), c. 1812
Sold: 25.180  / $ 28.700
Superb Gold and Enamel Musical
Harp Pendant, c. 1805
Sold: 36.500  / $ 41.600
Twin-Disc Symphonion
Model 25D, c. 1905
Sold: 18.900  / $ 21.500
Symphonion
Eroica Model 38A
Triple-Disc Musical
Hall Clock, c. 1895
Sold: 62.900  /
$ 71.700
Harmonipan Barrel
Organ by Sabas Hock
Sšhne, Edenkoben,
Rheinland-Pfalz
Sold: 8.420  / $ 9,430
ÝÝMechanical Music
& AutomataÜÜ
WorldÕs Leading Specialty Auction of
Closing date for entries: 28 February 2020
Ð Illustrated are just a few of our highlights from last sales in 2018 and 2019 Ð
Free consignment shipping to Germany Ð if delivered or sent to our location in Garden City Park,
NY 11040 (10 miles east of JFK Airport)
Free shipping for any major consignment from the U.K.! You just pack Ð we do the rest!
For more highlights and videos, visit www.Breker.com/New Highlights
or youtube.com/auctionteambreker
Fully-illustrated bilingual (Engl.-German) COLOUR Catalogue available against prepayment only:
Euro 28.Ð (Europe) or elsewhere Euro 37.Ð (approx. US$ 44.Ð / Overseas)
(Bank draft, cash or by Credit Card with CVV and expiry date: MasterCard/Visa/AmEx)
. Consignments for Future Auctions Always Welcome! .
Ð The Specialists in ÈTechnical AntiquesÇ Ð
P. O. Box 50 11 19, 50971 Koeln/Germany á Tel.: +49 / 2236 / 38 43 40 á Fax: +49 / 2236 / 38 43 430
Otto-Hahn-Str. 10, 50997 Koeln (Godorf)/Germany
e-mail: Auction@Breker.com á www.breker.com á Business Hours: Tue Ð Fri 9 am Ð 5 pm
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT OUR INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES:
U.S.A.: Andrew Truman, Tel. (207) 485 8343 * AndrewAuctionTeamBreker@gmail.com
Australia & New Zealand: P. Bardenheier, (NZ), Tel./Fax (+64) (0)9 817 72 68 * dbarden@orcon.net.nz
Japan: Murakami Taizou, Tel./Fax (06) 68 45 86 28 * murakami@ops.dti.ne.jp á China: Jiang Feng, Tel. 138 620 620 75 * jiangfengde@gmail.com
Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore: Alex Shih-Chieh Lin, (HK), Tel. (+852) 94 90 41 13 * alexsclin@gmail.com
England: Tel. (0)777 963 7317 * AuctionTeamBrekerUK@outlook.de á France: Pierre J. Bickart, Tel. (01) 43 33 86 71 * AuctionTeamKoln@aol.com
Russia: Maksim Suravegin, Tel. +7 903 558 02 50 * Maksim-ATB.ru@gmx.net
Consignments are invited for our new
Specialty Auction on 16 May 2020
Rare Five-Revolution
Grand Format
Variations Musical Box
by Nicole Frres, c. 1862
Sold: 41.560  / $ 46,550
Silver-gilt and Enamel
Singing Bird Box
by Charles Bruguier, c. 1840
Sold: 25.200  / $ 28,200

Mechanical Music Mechanical Music
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments

Volume 65, No. 6 November/December 2019

PuRchAse ¥ sAles ¥ consignment

of Quality Cylinder & Disc Music Boxes, Musical Clocks & Automata

For over forty years weÕve placed fine antiques in collections around the world.
Our reputation has been built upon appreciative buyers and satisfied sellers.
Pictured are a few of the musical antiques in our current and recent inventories.

496 First Street, California 93463 ¥ Ron & Julie Palladino
Open Seven Days a Week 10-6 ¥ 805-452-5700
www.renantiques.com

Visit the charming Danish Village of Solvang, half an hour above Santa Barbara in the beautiful Central Coast Wine Country
RENAISSANCE ANTIQUE S

Renaissance Antiques of solvang

Editor/Publisher

Russell Kasselman

(253) 228-1634

editor@mbsi.org

MBSI Editorial Office:

Iron Dog Media

130 Coral Court

Pismo Beach, CA 93449

editor@mbsi.org

Publications Chair

Bob Caletti

All manuscripts will be subject to editorial
review. Articles submitted for publication may
be edited or rejected at the discretion of the
Publications Committee and the Editorial
Staff. The article will not be published with
significant changes without the authorÕs
approval. All articles are considered to be the
authorÕs personal opinion. The author may be
asked to substantiate his/her statements.

Mechanical Music (ISSN 1045-795X) is published by
the Musical Box Society International, 130 Coral Court,
Pismo Beach, CA 93449 six times per year. A Directory
of Members, Museums and Dealers is published
biennially. Domestic subscription rate, $60. Periodicals
postage paid at San Luis Obispo, CA and additional
mailing offices.

Copyright 2019. The Musical Box Society International,
all rights reserved. Mechanical Music
cannot be copied, reproduced or transmitted in
whole or in part in any form whatsoever without
written consent of the Editor and the Executive
Committee.

MEMBERS: SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO:
MBSI, PO Box 10196,
Springfield, MO 65808-0196
Or, make corrections on the website at www.mbsi.org.

POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO

MBSI, PO Box 10196,
Springfield, MO 65808-0196

Mechanical Music

Journal of the Musical Box Society International

Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments

Volume 65, No. 6 November/December 2019

MBSI NEWS

5 PresidentÕs Message

7 EditorÕs Notes

8 Minutes of the 2019
Annual Trustees Meeting

15 Minutes of the 2019
Annual Business
Meeting

17 Annual Statement of
Financial Position
reports

Features

20 Nickel Notes
by Matt Jaro

28 Tales from the 2019
MBSI Annual Meeting

On the Cover
Matt JaroÕs Wurlitzer 153 Band
Organ was part of the 2019 MBSI
Annual Meeting tour this year,
organized by the National Capital
Chapter. See more from the event
on Page 49.
46 Interesting Tidbits
Craig Darlak shares his
love of mechanical
music

Chapter Reports

48 Northwest International

51 Snowbelt

MBSI has replanted 70 trees so far as part
of the Print ReLeaf program.

Sharing the music

Craig Darlak shares his experiences
with spreading the word about
mechanical music. See how you might
do it too. Page 46.

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 3

The World of Mechanical Music The World of Mechanical Music
Copy this page, and give it to a potential new member. Spread the word about MBSI.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Last name First Name Initial

Last Name First Name Initial

Address

City

State / Zip

Postal Code / Country

Phone

Fax

E-mail

Sponsor (optional)

A
A
fascinating hobby! It combines all the appeals of
art, history, craftsmanship, and music all into one.
Automatic music doesnÕt just sit there; it is ever
willing to perform for those who care to hear it. Play an
automatic music machine in a room full of people and all
else will stop as the machine enraptures the audience with
the sparkling melodies of yesteryear!

A ÒMusic BoxÓ is any sort of automatic music instrument
that plays music via the plucking of teeth on a tuned steel
comb through various mechanisms; musical automata;
orchestrions; player and reproducing pianos and organs;
phonographs; and self-playing stringed, wind, and percussion
instruments of any kind.

The Musical Box Society International, chartered by the
New York State Board of Regents, is a nonprofit society dedicated
to the enjoyment, study, and preservation of automatic
musical instruments. Founded in 1949, it now has members
around the world, and supports various educational projects.

Check or Money Order Payable to: MBSI Treasurer (US Funds Only)
Mail to: New Member Registration – MBSI
PO Box 10196
Springfield, MO 65808-0196

Visa/MasterCard

Exp. Date CCV

Signature

Membership Dues

US members (per household)……………………………………….$60

Student Membership…………………………………………………….$20

(online journal access only)

Canada…………………………………………………………………………$70

Other International………………………………………………………$75

(Add $20 for International air mail.)

Join online: www.mbsi.org/join-mbsi

Member Benefits

Six magazines annually Ñ Mechanical Music plus the
Directory of Members, Museums, and Dealers (published
every two years). Membership also entitles you to participate
in the Annual Meeting and to join regional chapters.
New members receive a welcome letter, a Goods & Supplies
Order Form, Directory of Members, Museums, and
Dealers, and a list of the regional chapters.

Regional chapters and an Annual Meeting held each year
in different cities within the United States enable members
to visit collections, exchange ideas, and attend educational
workshops.

Members receive the scholarly journal, Mechanical
Music, which also contains advertising space for members
who wish to buy, sell, and restore mechanical musical
instruments and related items; the Directory of Members,
Museums, and Dealers.

The only requirements for membership are an interest in
automatic music machines and the desire to share information
about them. And youÕll take pride in knowing you
are contributing to the preservation of these marvelous
examples of bygone craftsmanship.

More Information:

Phone/Fax: (417) 886-8839

Email: jbeeman.mbsi@att.net

4 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

By Tom Kuehn

MBSI President

You might notice thereÕs a new
face associated with this PresidentÕs
Message. I was elected as the 37th
MBSI President at the recent annual
meeting held in Rockville, MD. The
photo below mine is a closeup of
the medallion IÕm wearing that was
presented to MBSI by our sister
society, the Musical Box Society of
Great Britain (MBSGB), on MBSIÕs
25th anniversary in 1974. It has since
been handed down to each successive
president of our society and IÕll wear
it proudly as I represent MBSI for the
next two years.

For those who may not know me, let
me bring you up to date on some of
my more recent activities. I recently
retired from my professor of mechanical
engineering position at the
University of Minnesota. My interest
in mechanical music began at a very
early age visiting my grandfatherÕs
home and listening to a phonograph
that he designed, patented, built and
marketed in the early 1920s to farmers
in North Dakota and southern Canada.
Growing up near the site of a former
amusement park, whose rides had
been converted into a traveling carnival,
I became fascinated with traveling
shows and the band and fair organs
that provided their outdoor musical
entertainment. This led me to MBSI in
the 1980s. I built my own Wurlitzer 105
band organ replica and then expanded
my interest to include other types of
automatic musical instruments. As
a hobbyist who enjoys working with
my hands, I have restored several
instruments, many of them acquired
in deplorable condition. They now
look, operate and sound like new. This
required a significant amount of sweat
equity and also provided me with a
wealth of experience.

Introducing mechanical music
to those who are unfamiliar with
the instruments we know and love,
is a high priority for our society.

Encountering instruments by happenstance,
as described above for
me, rarely occurs these days so the
general public has little or no knowledge
that these instruments exist. It is
up to us to share our knowledge and
enthusiasm and in the process, make
new friends.

I wish to thank the National Capital
Chapter team, led by Chapter Chair
Matt Jaro, for helping to make our
70th Annual Meeting an especially
fun and memorable event. If you have
never attended an annual meeting or
have not joined us for some time, I
highly encourage you to come to San
Francisco, CA, next year for a joint
meeting including our friends in the
Automatic Musical Instrument CollectorsÕ
Association (AMICA). Mark your
calendars now for Sept. 2-7, 2020.

As our immediate past president
Clay Witt has mentioned before, MBSI
and MBSGB jointly sponsored the
translation from German into English
of the book ÒMusical Boxes from
Prague and ViennaÓ by Dr. Helmut
Kowar. MBSI was given 13 copies to
distribute. The MBSI Trustees decided
to provide a copy to the lending library,
one to the archives and give one to
each chapter. The most interesting
feature of the book to me is the large
number of tunes that have been transcribed
from pinned cylinders onto
sheet music. Truly a labor of love.

In another bit of news, Barry
Johnson, a longtime society member,
recently made a significant contribution
to the MBSI museum including
musical boxes and original disks. Sally
Craig, who chairs our Museum Committee,
has been working with Barry
to complete this donation. Contact
Sally if you would like to donate items
for our museum collection.

You may have read in the last
Journal that my wife, Hongyan, and I
traveled to England last May to attend
an MBSGB meeting in Kent where we
were introduced to MBSI and MBSGB
members in the UK, many of whom we
had not previously met. Our plans are

to travel to Japan next and meet with
several MBSI members near Tokyo to
assist them in forming a new Japanese
Chapter. I would like to meet as many
of you as possible over the next two
years. As mentioned above, attending
the annual meetings is a great opportunity
to meet with me and all your
officers and trustees who work very
hard to maintain the health and vitality
of our organization. As a bonus, it
is a really fun experience.

I look forward to serving as your
president during the next two years
and helping facilitate our love of
mechanical music in all its forms.

MBSI MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
EACH ONE/REACH ONE NEW MEMBER

MBSI is always interested in increasing its membership and is pleased to offer new members a $15
discount off their rst year’s membership. You are considered a new member if you have not been a
member in the past three years. This discount is also available on our website, www.mbsi.org.

Current MBSI members who sponsor a new member will receive a $5 discount off their next year’s
MBSI membership renewal for each sponsorship. Attach a copy of the discount voucher below to a
copy of the membership application form on Page 4 of this issue of Mechanical Music. Place your
name as ÒsponsorÓ on the application form.

Please make copies of these forms as needed and send the completed forms with checks to the MBSI
administrator at the address listed below.

.
.
..
¨.
(INTERNATIONAL)
ORGANIZED IN 1949
DEVOTED TO ALL MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
.
.
..
¨.
(INTERNATIONAL)
ORGANIZED IN 1949
DEVOTED TO ALL MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Musical Box Society International
P.O. Box 10196
Springeld, MO 65808-0196
Phone/Fax: (417) 886-8839
Musical Box Society International
P.O. Box 10196
Springeld, MO 65808-0196
Phone/Fax: (417) 886-8839
Dues Voucher Ð$15
New U.S. members may join MBSI for one year at $45 (instead
of $60); Canadians $55 (instead of $70; and, other International
members at $60 (instead of $75). This certicate must accom-
pany payment and a copy of the completed membership
application from page 4 of this issue of Mechanical Music.
New Member Name(s):
Authorized by MBSI Administrator
NEW MEMBER
GIFT CERTIFICATE
New members are those who have never been members of MBSI
or those who have not been members for three years prior to
submission of this voucher.
New members are those who have never
been members of MBSI or those who have
not been members for three years prior to
submission of this certicate.

Gift Membership Name

Address, City, State, ZIP
Phone Email
Sponsor

SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase one or more rst-year MBSI gift
memberships at $45 each U.S., $55 Canadian, or $60 other International
and you will receive $5 off your next year’s MBSI membership
renewal for each “New Member” gift.

Please mail this form together with your check made payable to ÒMBSIÓ to the MBSI Administrator at the address listed
above. Memberships are $45 for U.S. residents, $55 for Canadian residents, and $60 for other International residents.

EditorÕs Notes MAILING ADDRESS
MBSI Editorial/Advertising
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
EMAIL ADDRESS
editor@mbsi.org
PHONE
(253) 228-1634
EditorÕs Notes MAILING ADDRESS
MBSI Editorial/Advertising
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
EMAIL ADDRESS
editor@mbsi.org
PHONE
(253) 228-1634
By Russell Kasselman

MBSI Editor/Publisher

IÕd like to start off by wishing everyone
a happy holiday season this year.
I hope each of you gets a chance to
gather with other mechanical music
enthusiasts during this upcoming season
and share the sounds and sights
of wonderful instruments amid lights
and decorations, cookies and candies,
and friends. Perhaps welcome in a few
new folks to your home to listen to
some merry music this year. DonÕt forget
to send in your photos and chapter
reports so we can all share in the joy.

I have a short space in this issue, so
IÕll get right to the business of thanking
the National Capital Chapter team
who put together a wonderful annual
meeting, sharing their homes and collections
with so many others. Special
kudos go to B Bronson for writing the

synopsis of the meeting and sending in
some fantastic photos. Other fabulous
photographers included Lowell Boehland,
Bob Caletti, Ed Cooley, Ginny
Little, and Sandy Lynch. As you might
imagine, the selection of images you
see on these pages represents only a
small portion of the activities at the
meeting, so if you didnÕt go this year,
perhaps consider attending next year
and add your smiling face to this
great-looking group of folks having a
fantastic time together.

Good vibes are also due to Craig
Darlak, who has now shared his passion
for mechanical music three times
with groups in his area. Check out
Page 46 to see more about his work to
educate others about this great hobby.

David Corkrum, newly-minted
MBSI Vice President, also deserves
a massive dose of respect for his
long-running tenure as recording

secretary for the society. His minutes
from the annual trustees and annual
business meetings are in this issue
and worth a read if you want to keep
up with whatÕs happening in society
business.

David will be handing his pen to his
replacement this year. Linda Birkitt,
from the Southern California Chapter,
starts her duties with the mid-year
trustees meeting in 2020. Be sure to
let them both know how much you
appreciate the hard work that they put
into making sure our society meets all
its obligations to inform its members
about the deliberations and decisions
of the trustees and officers.

MMLI transfered to Morris Museum of Marvin Polan, Glen Jedlika, Elise

Roenigk, Art Reblitz, Beatrice Farmer,

The Morris Museum in Morristown, The MMLI was created by William Joseph Gilbert, Edward Schmidt, and
NJ, has acquired the Mechanical Edgerton of Darien CT, a longtime col-Edgerton himself. It is believed to be
Music Library International (MMLI), lector and enthusiast of mechanical the third largest archive of such mate-
containing approximately 6,000 items, music and automata. MBSI provided rial in North America and will now
including books, journals, magazines, access to its extensive library and be called the ÒEdgerton Mechanical
newsletters, bulletins, directories, provided financial support to this Music LibraryÓ to acknowledge the
trade and auction catalogs, sound project in addition to contributions donor. Visit www.mechanicalmusimedia
and period prints, all related to from more than 60 donors including Q. clibrary.com to get access and start
mechanical musical and automata. David Bowers, Emery Prior, the Estate searching the library contents.

Welcome new members!
August 2019
Leon Alevantis & Tara Gauthier
Georgetown, CA
Sponsor: Bob Caletti
David Chapman
West Fargo, ND
Raphael Cole
Davie, FL
Mike & Nan Herrig
Locust Grove, VA
Diane Hopkins & Don Fowler
Vienna, VA
September 2019
Holly & Russell Bartley
Urbana, OH
Sponsor: Rob Pollock
Brian Albert
Wappingers Falls, NY
Giovanni Vitiello
Bologna, Italy
David Jackson
Miami, FL
Sponsor: David Meyer
Stephen & Susan Fox
Parker, CO

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 7

Minutes Of The Annual TrusteesÕ Meeting

Rockville, MD August 27, 2019

Back row, left to right: Trustee Ed Cooley, Recording Secretary David Corkrum. Middle row, left to right: Trustee Sally Craig,
Trustee Judy Caletti. Front row, left to right: Trustee Mary Pollock, MBSI President Clay Witt, MBSI Vice President Tom Kuehn,
Trustee Mary Ellen Myers.

These minutes will be official when
approved and voted on during the
mid-year trusteeÕs meeting in 2020.

The meeting was convened at 9:08

a.m. Present: Clay Witt, president
presiding; Judy Caletti, Tom Kuehn,
Sally Craig, Wayne Finger via teleconference
as approved by the board,
Ed Cooley, Mary Pollock, and Mary
Ellen Myers. (eight of nine present,
a quorum). Also, present: Recording
Secretary David Corkrum.

President Witt thanked Judy Caletti
and Mary Pollock for their many years
of service.

1. The minutes of the Apr. 5, 2019,
Mid-Year Trustees meeting, held in
Naples, FL, were published in Vol.
65, No. 4 of Mechanical Music. There
were no corrections, additions or
deletions. Trustee Craig moved, seconded
by Trustee Myers, to approve
the minutes. The motion passed.

2. Secretary Corkrum presented the
current Board Actions for review.
3. Trustee Kuehn presented the
vice presidentÕs report. All the award
recipients have been notified. All 5
8 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

award winners are planning to attend
the meeting and receive their award
personally. A PowerPoint slide presentation
is being prepared to provide
more background information on each
recipient as the awards are being presented
during the Awards Luncheon.
The plaques and engraved brass plates
for the permanent displays have been
received.

All chapter chairs have been notified
that they need to submit chapter
reports that will be available for viewing
in the hospitality room. The vice
presidentÕs report was received.

4. President Witt presented the
administratorÕs report. The current
membership as of Jun. 30, 2019, is
1,204. Memberships as of Jun. 30,
2018, were 1,273. For the 2019 calendar
year, to date there were 43 new
memberships, 23 of which came from
the website (53 percent).
Because of the voucher program,
MBSI gained 11 new memberships as
of June 2019. New member lists are
sent each month to the chapter chairs,
trustees, and Membership Committee
coordinators and to the Membership
Committee chair. The gift/sponsor
program was initiated in July 2008,
resulting in 125 new members through
Jun. 30, 2019. Each sponsor receives
a thank you post card and is added
to the $5 discount program. Also,
questionnaires were sent to those
members who are on the 90 days past
due non-renewal list.

For the period of Jul. 1, 2018 to Jun.
30, 2019, Don Caine is the member
recipient of a free renewal for sponsoring
four new members and Bob Caletti
is the dealer member recipient of a
free renewal for sponsoring six new
members. The report was received.

5. Trustee Cooley presented the
Audit Committee report.
An annual review was conducted
by CPA Cinda L. Rodgers on Aug. 13,
2019. CPA Rodgers found that the
societyÕs financial status is in order
and in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles in the
USA.

All remaining book inventories were
distributed at the 2018 convention or

transferred to the Musical Instrument
Museum (MIM) in Scottsdale, AZ, at
no charge. All other sales items were
inventoried by Jacque Beeman on Jan.
1, 2019 to facilitate an audit of 2019
year-end inventories next year.

The comparison of membership
data with amounts received for membership
dues was completed for 2018.
Net membership revenue for 2018 was
$78,763. Using 2018 membership data
the total estimated revenue should
be $79,440. The $677.00 difference
amounts to less than one percent
(-0.85 percent). This is considered an
acceptable variance.

All Conflict of Interest statements
for 2019 were received except for four
individuals. The report was received.

6. The Membership and Marketing
committee reports were reported by
Rob Pollock, who chairs both committees.
Membership continues to
decline at a rate of 3 percent per year.
The new offer of discounted student
memberships has not resulted in
many new members. So far, only one
student has accepted this offer.
The Marketing Committee searched
for but was unable to find a videographer
to make a promotional video
about MBSI that could be played on
YouTube.

The Marketing CommitteeÕs two
programs targeting free memberships
at mechanical music auctions and
dealers have resulted in 15 new memberships
in the last three years. The
goal was for 100.

Chair Pollock has submitted his
resignation to the board but will
provide whatever assistance the new
committee chairpersons may request.
The report was received

7. The Meetings Committee report
was presented by Chair Tom Kuehn.
The Annual Meeting schedule is as
follows:
¥ 2019-National Capital Chapter
¥ 2020-Golden Gate Chapter and
AMICA
¥ 2021-Southeast Chapter

¥ 2022-Southern California Chapter
and AMICA
The AMICA (Automatic Musical
Instrument CollectorsÕ Association)
board voted to have a
joint meeting with MBSI in 2022.
Chair Kuehn moved, seconded
by Trustee Caletti, to hold a joint
meeting with AMICA/MBSI in
2022. The motion passed.

¥ 2023-Lake Michigan Chapter
The report was received.
8. Museum Committee Chair Sally
Craig presented her report. The
society received a donation from
Barry Johnson. It consists of original
discs, master discs, and several blank
discs. The equipment received did
not include the punching machines
for making the tunes. They were
inadvertently discarded by those persons
who cleaned up his home. Chair
Craig and the American Treasure Tour
museum plan to have a display of this
equipment alongside a roll punching
machine.
Chair Craig also discussed the
restoration of the Guitaraphone with
member Jerry Wright. He will contact
Chair Craig once he has examined the
machine.

The contract with MIM will need to
be renegotiated in March 2020. The
society plans to make it a five-year
contract. The report was received.

9. Nominating Committee Chair
Dan Wilson presented his report. On
behalf of the society, he extended his
sincere thank you to Clay Witt, Mary
Pollock, Judy Caletti, John Bryant
and David Corkrum for their service
to the society. Judy served a total of
nine-and one-half years; Mary served
eight years; John served four years
and David served 14 years.
The Nominating Committee respectfully
submitted the following slate of
officers and trustees for confirmation
as presented and approved at the 2019
MBSI mid-year Trustees Meeting.

¥ President: Tom Kuehn to serve a
two-year term.
¥ Vice President: David Corkrum to
serve first one-year term.
¥ Trustee: David Corkrum to serve
first four-year term.
¥ Trustee: Matt Jaro to serve first
four-year term.
November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 9

¥ Trustee: Bob Caletti to serve first
four-year term.
¥ Treasurer: Ed Kozak to serve
another one-year term.
¥ Recording Secretary: Linda
Birkitt to serve first one-year
term.
All nominees have confirmed that
they are willing to accept these positions.
The report was received.

10. Publications Committee Chair
Bob Caletti presented the reports for
publications and the editor. Positive
comments about the quality of the
journal continue to come in. Our editor
does an excellent job and always
goes above and beyond.
The committee made a request
through the journal for someone to
help with converting our Presto and
MTR publications on the website from
multiple single-page PDF files to a
single page PDF and then to text files
that would be word searchable like
our current journal. The committee
believes they have found someone
and with help of the editor, the text
could be extracted from these publications.
So instead of having to search
over 1,000 PDF files separately, a user
could do a single search that would
bring up all the relevant information
requested.

The committee is looking into being
able to digitize the societyÕs lending
library, but there may be copyright
issues that would prevent this. The
committee will be looking into this.

Advertising on the societyÕs website
is now being offered to our big display
advertisers in Mechanical Music. This
is an added perk and will help them
reach more people who view our website.
The report was received.

Chair Caletti presented the editorÕs
report. Our editor, Russell Kasselman,
reports that a total of 43 writers
contributed to the journal this year.
He encourages us all to think about
writing an article, especially those
covering pianos, clocks, bird boxes,
phonographs or any other type of
mechanical musical items in their
collections.

Advertising percentages have
declined slightly in the past year

reflecting publishing industry trends.
To keep our advertisers happy, we
are posting their display ads on the
societyÕs website with the hope of it
reaching more individuals and not just
our members.

Russell has made some improvements
to the website to help
standardize the display of member
names in the online directory and in
reports that the administrator produces
and sends to the trustees. The
improvements will make production
of the biennial Directory of Members,
Museums and Dealers more efficient.

Printing and mailing costs have
remained steady, but the price of
paper will be increasing next year.
Please continue to encourage all your
chapter members to send in their
articles Ð long ones and short ones,
technical or historical, or just plain
fun ones Ð so that we can all enjoy
them on the pages of Mechanical
Music. The report was received.

11. Treasurer Ed Kozak gave
the Finance Committee report via
teleconference. For the year ending
Dec. 31, 2018, total fund balances
increased by $30,546. Net assets without
donor restriction increased by
$23,047, while net assets with donor
restrictions increased by $7,499. Net
assets totaled $744,989. Dues revenue
continues to decline from $81,012
to $78,583. Convention income of
$69,012 exceeded convention expense
of $49,674. Publishing revenue was
$21,835 and publishing expense was
$74,603. Accounting, tax preparation
and administrative expense totaled
$25,454.
The Endowment Committee
reported the fund balance to be
$153,165 which was an increase of
$1,065. There are two certificates of
deposit totaling $152,000 that mature
in August 2020 and May 2021 at a rate
of 1.9 percent and 2.9 percent. The
accumulated interest income for the
fund is $46,248 of which two-thirds,
or $30,832, is available for approved
projects or programs. No project
or program requests have been
submitted.

The Finance Committee discussed
the 2020 budget and email was sent

to all trustees and committee chairs
on Jun. 25, 2019, requesting input
and comments for the budget. After
receipt of responses the proposed
budget was completed. There was
only a minor change to dues revenue.
The budget is now submitted to the
trustees for their approval. Treasurer
Kozak asked if there were any adjustments
to be made. There were none.
Trustee Kuehn moved, seconded by
Trustee Craig, to approve the 2020
annual budget. The motion passed.

There was also a discussion among
the trustees about the need to raise
awareness of the existence and purpose
of the Endowment Fund among
our MBSI members. The reports were
received.

12. Website Subcommittee Chair
Rick Swaney presented his report.
Updates to the following sections of
the website have been completed.
The Mechanical Music archive is now
up-to-date with each journal being
posted shortly after being mailed. The
meetings manual has been updated
since the mid-year meeting. A minor
ÒbugÓ was found in the classified ad
submittal form. The form has been
disabled until the error can be found
and corrected.
The MBSI collection gallery is
growing and the committee has asked
the editor to divide the instruments
into categories just as in the member
instrument gallery does.

Chair Swaney stated he has been
investigating translation programs or
plug-ins that could be used online to
translate our journals into other languages.
Wordpress has such a plug-in
which could be inserted into our site.
It would display a ÒflagÓ which, when
clicked on, would display a list of
countries. The user would click on
the country and the journal would
be translated into that language. The
plug-in is available for free for a short
amount of time which would enable
the committee to see how it would
work. Costs for the plug-in ranges
from $65 to $385 per year. The higher
the cost, the better the translation is.

The website continues to receive
3,500 views per month with the gallery
page receiving the most views. The

10 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

MBSI Facebook forum group has continued
at a slow but steady growth.
The number of members increased
by 25 percent during the past month.
The regular Facebook page for MBSI
has 557 followers and has received
518 Likes. Of the Likes, 60 percent
come from men and 40 percent from
women. The report was received.

13. Special Exhibits Acting Committee
Chair Mary Ellen Myers presented
her report. Chapter outreach activities
are too numerous to mention but five
chapters report that they have had one
or more events during the year where
the public was invited. The committee
is still seeking a chair to lead it. The
number of chapters represented has
increased by three during the past
year. The committee would like to
reserve a regular communication
column in each issue of the journal
to highlight one chapterÕs recent
outreach activities. The report was
received.
New Business

14. President Witt presented a list
of committee vacancies which need
to be filled. The following committee
appointments were made.
Audit Committee: Trustee Craig
moved, seconded by Trustee Caletti,
to appoint Matt Jaro. The motion
passed.

Executive Committee: Trustee
Kuehn moved, seconded by Trustee
Pollock, to appoint Trustees Sally
Craig and Wayne Finger. The motion
passed.

Finance Committee: Trustee Caletti
moved, seconded by Trustee Craig, to
appoint Trustee-elect David Corkrum
and Trustee Ed Cooley. The motion
passed.

Nominating Committee: Trustee

Caletti moved, seconded by Trustee
Cooley, to appoint Trustee Sally Craig
and Trustee-elect Bob Caletti. The
motion passed.

Membership Committee: Trustee
Craig moved, seconded by Trustee
Kuehn, to appoint Trustee Mary Ellen
Myers. The motion passed.

15. President Witt presented a bylaw
amendment to refine the procedures
for canceling or suspending a membership
under Article III, Section 8. He
also presented an amendment to the
provisions concerning the dissolution
of a chapter under Article IV, Section
7. A third proposed amendment would
delete the text of Article XVII and
reserve that section for future use,
inasmuch as the material there would
be addressed following the first two
amendments Trustee Caletti moved,
seconded by Trustee Myers, to adopt
these changes to the bylaws. The
motion passed.
See Attachment 1, Page 12.

16. President Witt presented two
Policies and Procedures (P&P)
amendments. The first would amend
Section III, Subsection A, to update
and clarify the steps to be taken by the
recording secretary after the board
has taken actions resulting in changes
to the bylaws, P&Ps or board actions
document at a trusteesÕ meeting. The
second would amend Section VIII,
subsection B, to add material collecting
a policy adopted by the board at
its 2019 mid-year meeting concerning
actions the MBSI administrator will
take when informed of the death of
a member. Trustee Caletti moved,
seconded by Trustee Pollock, to adopt
these changes to the P&P. The motion
passed.
See Attachment 2, Page 13.

17. President Witt recommended
that the board establish a committee
to investigate methods of providing
translation of Mechanical Music to
our international members when they
are on the website. Trustee-elect
Bob Caletti and Rick Swaney were
appointed to this committee. Trustee
Craig moved, seconded by Trustee
Pollock, to establish the sub-committee.
The motion passed.
18. President Witt recommended
that the board establish a committee
to obtain translation of incidental
documents used by the administrator
and the president to provide to our
international members, as needed.
These documents would be translated
into German, French, Italian, and Japanese.
Trustees-elect David Corkrum,
Matt Jaro and Bob Caletti and Recording
Secretary-elect Linda Birkitt were
appointed to this committee Trustee
Caletti moved, seconded by Trustee
Myers, to establish this sub-committee.
The motion passed.
19 President Witt reported that the
society received 13 copies of the book
ÒMusical Boxes of Prague and Vienna.Ó
During discussion it was proposed
that one copy be given to each chapter
and one be sent to the lending library
and one to the Research Library at
American Treasure Tour. Trustee
Cooley moved, seconded by Trustee
Myers, to do as proposed. The motion
passed.

20. Trustee Caletti moved, seconded
by Trustee Myers, to adjourn the
meeting. The motion passed. Meeting
adjourned at 2:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David W. Corkrum
Recording Secretary
Sept. 16, 2019

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 11

Attachment 1

Note: This attachment presents the amendments to the bylaws adopted by the board at its
August 27, 2019, meeting. This ÒmarkupÓ shows the preexisting text with text that was deleted
by the amendments struck through and text added by the amendments underlined.

ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP

* * * * *

Section 8. The membership of any person may be cancelled or suspended permanently or for a
stated period of time for conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the society or for failure to
abide by the bylaws or policies and procedures of the society. The member will be informed of
the proposed action and the reasons for it not less than 30 days before the date of the board
meeting at which the proposed action is to be considered. The person may consent to the
proposed action or present written argument and evidence as to why it should not be taken.

ARTICLE IV
CHAPTERS

* * * * *

Section 7.

a. (1) A chapter may be dissolved by the board upon the written request of the chapter or
upon a determination by the board that the chapter is no longer viable or is being operated in
violation of MBSIÕs corporate charter, these bylaws, or board approved policies and procedures.
(2)Where a proposed dissolution is not at the request of the chapter, the chapterÕs board,
or its active members of record if there is no duly elected board, will be informed of the
proposed dissolution not less than 30 days before the date of the board meeting at which
dissolution is to be considered. It The chapterÕs board or active members may consent to the
proposed dissolution or submit present oral or written argument and evidence as to why it should
not be dissolved.
b. The following actions shall be taken by the chapter upon its dissolution:
(1)Any outstanding chapter debts shall be paid.
(2) If the chapter is separately incorporated, it will comply with any requirements of the
law of the state of incorporation relating to dissolution of the corporation.
(3)Any remaining funds shall be remitted to MBSI, unless the chapterÕs articles of
incorporation otherwise require in the case of separately incorporated chapters.
12 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

Attachment 2

Note: This attachment presents the amendments to the MBSI Policies & Procedures adopted by
the board at its August 27, 2019, meeting. This ÒmarkupÓ shows the preexisting text with text
that was deleted by the amendments struck through and text added by the amendments
underlined.

VIII. Administrator/Accountant
* * * * *

B. Members
* * * * *
5. The Administrator will take the following actions upon being informed of the death of a
member:
a. Individual Membership. If the membership is an individual membership, cancel
the membership.
b. Joint Membership. If the membership is a joint membership, honor any request
from the survivor to remove the name of the deceased member from the
membership. If there is no communication from the survivor after 60 days, send
condolences to the survivor and ask them whether or not they would like the
deceased members name to remain on the membership listing.

6. Ask members in all renewal notifications whether they would like to make any changes
in the way that their member name(s) are listed.
III. RECORDING SECRETARY
A. The recording secretary shall incorporate the any changes to the bylaws, policies and
procedures (P&P), and board actions documents approved at the mid-term a trusteesÕ
meeting and send copies of the updated documents to the Executive Committee (EC) for
final review of correctness within 60 days of adjournment of the mid-term meeting.
Review by the EC is limited to ensuring that the changes made by the recording secretary
exactly conform to what the board did, i.e., that changes made by the board to the text of
bylaws or P&Ps exactly parallel the changes in language approved by the board, that
board actions the board directed be deleted are deleted and that board actions added are
properly described. Upon final approval by the EC, the recording secretary shall provide
the approved versions of the revised bylaws and P&Ps to the officers, trustees, committee
and chapter chairs, administrator, and accountant and the updated board actions to the
trustees not less than two weeks before the annual meeting 30 days following being given
notice of that approval. Any updated or revised bylaws will also be sent to the editor.
prior to the publication of the directory (Trustees 3/26/15, Trustees 8/29/17, Trustees
8/27/19)
November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 13

Addendum

On June 24, 2019, the MBSI Board of Trustees met via teleconference to reconcile the problems
facing the MBSI and the Japanese International Chapter (JIC).

Present was President Clay Witt, presiding. Also present were Trustees Tom Kuehn, Judy
Caletti, Mary Pollock, Sally Craig, G. Wayne Finger, Mary Ellen Myers and Ed Cooley. Also
present was Recording Secretary David Corkrum. The meeting was convened at 12:01 pm EDT.

1. Trustee Caletti moved, seconded by Trustee Mary Pollock, that the MBSI memberships
of Tomiju Endo, Hideyuki Matsuoka, Yoshinobu Okumoto, Sadahiko Sakauchi, and
Fumio Yamazaki be terminated under MBSI bylaws Article 17 for conduct prejudicial to
the best interests of MBSI and Japanese International Chapter (JIC) and for failure to
abide by the bylaws of MBSI and JIC. There was considerable discussion on this topic.
Secretary Corkrum conducted a roll call vote of the trustees. The result was unanimous in
favor of the motion. The motion passed.
2. Trustee Kuehn moved, seconded by Trustee Craig, that the five persons mentioned in the
previous motion would be allowed to apply for membership in the MBSI after January 1,
2023. Discussion was brief. Secretary Corkrum conducted a roll call vote of the trustees.
The result was unanimous in favor of the motion. The motion passed.
3. President Witt moved, seconded by Trustee Kuehn, that the Japanese International
Chapter be dissolved under MBSI bylaws Article IV, section 7. There was some
discussion. Secretary Corkrum conducted a roll call vote of the trustees. The result was
unanimous in favor of the motion. The motion passed.
4. Trustee Finger moved, seconded by Trustee Pollock, that the Executive Committee be
empowered to appoint receivers, as necessary, of the physical assets of the JIC. Secretary
Corkrum conducted a roll call vote of the trustees. The result was unanimous in favor of
the motion. The motion passed.
Trustee Caletti moved, seconded by Trustee Craig to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed
and the meeting was adjourned at 1:16 pm EDT

Respectfully Submitted,

David Corkrum
Recording Secretary, MBSI

14 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

Minutes of the 70th Annual Business Meeting

Musical Box Society International, Hilton Hotel, Rockville, MD, August 31, 2019

President Clay Witt called to order
the 2019 MBSI Annual Business Meeting
at 8:30 a.m.

He read the names of members who
have passed away since the last Annual
Meeting: Ann Boyd; Jerry Christner;
Weldon Clegg; Francis Conroy, Jr.;
Michael Conway; Wallace Donoghue;
Ray Dauphinee; John Flint; Donald
Glemby; Moe Goldy; Kent Goodman;
Fred Kingsmill; Hayes McClaran;
John Motto-Ros; John Ohrenstein;
Ray Parkinson; Dennis Reilly; Richard
Reutlinger, who was the last surviving
member of AMICA and passed away
Jun. 29 during a home concert; Deanna
Roth; LeRoy Schumacher; Hendrick
Strengers and Erich Traber.

A moment of silence was observed
in remembrance.

Sincere appreciation was extended
to the National Capital team and they
were asked to stand.

MBSI officers and the Board of
Trustees were introduced.

Past presidents and past trustees
were recognized and asked to stand.

First time attendees and those
attending from outside of the United
States were asked to please stand and
be recognized.

President Witt then introduced
Arlette Baud and Michel Bourgoz of
the Baud Museum, LÕAuberson which
is now in its 64th year of operation;
Alison Biden, co-vice president and
immediate past President of the Musical
Box Society of Great Britain; Peter
Both, President of the Swiss Friends
of Mechanical Music; Franco Severi,
President of the Italian Mechanical
Music Association; Michel Tremouille
and Jean-Mac Lefout, Vice presidents
of the Association of Friends of
Mechanical Music Instruments of
France; Paul Bellamy, Deputy Chairman
of the Association of Musical Box
Collectors; and the Verbeek family
from Belgium.

OfficersÕ Reports

Recording Secretary David Corkrum
reported that the minutes of the 69th
Annual Meeting held in Detroit, MI,
were published in Vol. 64, No. 6, of
Mechanical Music. There being no
corrections, additions or deletions,
President Witt entertained a motion to
approve the minutes. The motion was
made and seconded to approve the
minutes. The motion passed.

Vice President Tom Kuehn presented
the vice-presidentÕs report. The
vice president has two main jobs; one
is to handle the awards process and
the other is oversee the conduct of
the societyÕs chapters. Trustee Kuehn
introduced each chapter. Their representatives
informed the membership
of their activities throughout the year
and any special activities that they
had coming up. After the information
was presented, the members of each
chapter were asked to rise and be
recognized. The report was received

Treasurer Ed Kozak presented the
treasurerÕs report. For the year ending
Dec. 31, 2018, total fund balances
increased by $30,546. Fund balances
totaled $744,989 of which $153,165 is
restricted. Dues revenue continues to
decline. Income from last yearÕs convention
totaled $19,338. The report
was received

Committee Reports

Finance Committee: Treasurer
Ed Kozak presented the Finance
Committee report. A mid-year to midyear
financial report was prepared
in accordance with New York not-
for-profit corporate law. Copies were
made available to members present at
the meeting.

The Endowment Fund has a
reported balance of $153,165. The
accumulated interest from this fund
now totals $46,248 of which $30,832 is
available for projects or programs.

The Finance Committee and the
trustees have approved the budget for
2020 and there is a projected deficit.

There will be no increase in dues. The
report was received.

Audit Committee: Chair Ed Cooley
presented the Audit Committee
report. Cinda L. Rodgers, CPA, PC,
conducted a required annual financial
review and stated that, based on her
review, she is not aware of any material
modifications that should be made
to the financial statements. They are
in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United
States of America.

The committee is responsible for
the comparison of book inventories
and sales items to reported income,
comparison of membership data with
amounts received for membership
dues, and the collection of conflict of
interest statements from the officers,
trustees and committee members. The
report was received.

Marketing and Membership committees:
Chair Rob Pollock presented
the report. Membership numbers
are in a decline of about 3 percent
per year. Most of the members lost
were first year members who did not
renew. The Marketing CommitteeÕs
two programs targeting free memberships
at mechanical music auctions
and dealers have resulted in 15 new
memberships in the past three years.
In June of this year Chair Pollock
submitted his resignation to President
Witt. The report was received.

Meetings Committee: Chair Tom
Kuehn presented the report on the
dates of upcoming meetings. Golden
Gate Chapter and the Founding Chapter
of AMICA will host the 2020 meeting
from Sept. 2-7. Southeast Chapter
will host the 2021 meeting from Aug.
30-Sept. 4. AMICA (Automatic Musical
Instrument CollectorsÕ Association)
and the Southern California Chapter
will host the 2022 meeting. The report
was received.

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 15

Museum Committee: Chair Sally
Craig presented the report. American
Treasure Tour (ATT) provides MBSI
with space to store and display the
machines in the societyÕs collection.
ATT is open on weekends for walking
tours of the collection. Docents are
on hand to talk about and play the
various instruments. ATT houses not
only the societyÕs collection but also
the massive collection of Don Neilson.

The database of society owned
instruments has been transferred to
the website where it will be available to
the committee to make easy updates.
The committee is still considering who
will be able to see these instruments
and how much information to include.

The committee is negotiating with a
restorer to restore the Guitaraphone,
a rare coin-operated harp-zither. The
report was received.

Publication Committee: Chair Bob
Caletti presented the report. In the past
year, a total of 43 writers contributed
articles to Mechanical Music. Bob
encourages members to write about
anything in their collection whether
it be technical, informational or just
plain fun. If they know of someone
with an interesting story to encourage
them to write also.

The editor can be of great help in
making an article stand out. The editor
is always looking for ways to increase
advertising. Dealers and members are
encouraged to advertise in the journal.
The report was received.

Website Subcommittee: Chair Rick
Swaney presented the report. The new
web server is now Dreamhost. This
server is much faster, and downloads
appear in seconds rather than minutes.
All Mechanical Music journals can
now be searched for specific content

and all workshop videos have been
uploaded and are available for viewing
and downloading. The chapter pages,
instrument gallery and event pages
have been updated to show more
information in more interesting ways.

As was stated in the museum report,
the instrument collection database is
now on the website. When members
sign in, they will be able to view this
page listing all the instruments in the
collection as well as any additional
information about the instrument.

MBSI also has a Facebook account
as well as a Facebook forum. In the
forum, members can post questions or
information about the society and its
chapters. The report was received as
presented.

Special Exhibits Committee: Acting
Chair Mary Ellen Myers reported that
the Special Exhibits Committee has
received reports from five chapters
showcasing the exhibits they have
presented to the general public. The
committee is still seeking a few more
chapter liaisons as well as a new committee
chair. The report was received
as presented.

Nominating Committee: Chair
Dan Wilson presented the report. On
behalf of the society, the committee
would like to extend a sincere thank
you to soon to be Past President Clay
Witt, to Judy Caletti who has served
for nine and one half years as trustee,
to Marry Pollock who has served for
eight years as trustee and to David
Corkrum who has served 14 years as
recording secretary.

The committee is also responsible
for the selection of the Darlene
Marijanian award. Any recommendations
for this award should be sent

to the Nominating Committee for
consideration.

Chair Wilson respectfully submit
the following slate of officers and
trustees for confirmation: Tom Kuehn
to serve a two year term as president,
David Corkrum to serve his first one-
year term as vice president, David
Corkrum to serve his first four-year
term as trustee, Matt Jaro to serve his
first four-year term as trustee, Bob
Caletti to serve his first four-year term
as trustee, Ed Kozak to serve another
one-year term as treasurer and Linda
Birkitt to serve her first one-year term
as recording secretary.

President Witt entertained a motion
to accept the slate as presented. A
motion was made and seconded. The
motion passed.

At this moment, outgoing President
Clay Witt presented incoming
President Tom Kuehn with the gavel.
President Tom Kuehn then presented
Trustee and immediate past President
Clay Witt with the presidential
pin indicating his status as a past
president. Trustee Witt then removed
the presidential medal of office and
member Judy Caletti placed it around
the neck of President Keuhn.

President Kuehn thanked Trustee
Witt for his service to the society.

New Business

There being no new business, it was
moved and seconded to adjourn the
meeting. The motion passed, and the
meeting was adjourned at 9:22 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
David Corkrum
Recording Secretary
Sept. 20, 2019

16 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 17

18 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 19

Nickel Notes

By Matthew Jaro

Restoring a Nelson-Wiggen 4-X nickelodeon

The first nickelodeon I acquired
was a Nelson-Wiggen 4-X machine in
July, 1992. This machine plays G rolls
or 4-X rolls. I didnÕt know much about
nickelodeons, but I knew I wanted a
Nelson-Wiggen after listening to the
ÒQuarterlodeonsÓ LP record many
times. Its sweet, melodic sound made
it irresistible. The machine has a
piano, xylophone, snare drum, triangle
and banjo rail. When I examined
the machine, I noticed that the xylophone
was connected to the mandolin
rail pneumatic so that the xylophone
played only when the mandolin rail
was down. I knew that this wasnÕt
right since G and 4-X rolls have extra
instrument on and off channels that
are independent of the mandolin rail.

I determined that the xylophone lock

and cancel valve was not functioning
and that was why the xylophone was
switched around. Upon inquiry as to
who was the best person to look at the
machine, the answer was overwhelmingly
Dave Ramey Sr. As luck would
have it, there was an MBSI meeting
in Tysons Corner, VA, in August 1992.
This was not too far from our house,
and Dave Ramey volunteered to stop
by on his way to the convention. He
came with his wife and started to look
at the machine.

He said, ÒLet me see if I remember

how the Nelson-Wiggen lock and cancel
works.Ó

He took the valve with him, fixed it
in his shop when he got back home
and mailed it to me. I always remember
how generous he was to work
on such a small project for a novice
collector with only one instrument.
Incidentally, it was after I went to the
Tysons Corner meeting that I joined
MBSI.

The great twist of fate was that
almost exactly 20 years later, I had his
son, Dave Ramey Jr. restore the same

The man, the master, Dave Ramey Jr. The interior of the Nelson-Wiggen 4-X before restoration was started.

20 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

The exterior of the authorÕs nickelodeon prior to restoration. Compare to the finished product on Page 27.

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 21

Above: The sound board and plate removed from the machine
in preparation for restoration. Right: The before and after
shots of case restoration done during the restoration.

machine from the ground up. Thus, a Dave Ramey was
both the first and last person to look at the machine.

In the intervening years, I had the piano ÒrebuiltÓ by a
reputable technician who agreed to do pneumatic work
and piano action work. This person, who shall remain
nameless, did a horrible job after keeping the machine for
years. For example, the pin block was in terrible shape
after the work. It was loose from the sound board and the
sides of the cabinet. It was held in by the cast iron plate
only.

The machine had all the expression pneumatics missing
and I thought it would be good to have the expression put
back in. Also, the top was warped and the cabinet finish
was poor. Again, Dave Ramey was the name that came up
and it turned out that he could start on the project without
much delay. So, I again said Ògood-byeÓ to the machine
temporarily.

It turned out that there was a lot to do. Check out the list
on the facing page for details.:

22 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

Restoration To-Do List

Restore Cabinet

¥ Replace veneer on sides
¥ Make new lid to match cabinet
¥ Repair damaged lock and supply new keys
¥ Install new casters
¥ Refinish cabinet
¥ Replace plating or clean and age hardware
¥ Install curtains
Restore Piano

¥ Install new pin block
¥ Refinish soundboard
¥ Install new tuning pins
¥ Install new strings
¥ Refinish piano plate
¥ Replace plating on hardware
¥ Clean and rebuild action wippens
¥ Install new butts and hammers
¥ Install new damper felts
¥ Replace incorrect mandolin clips with original Banjo
Rail blocks
Restore Electric Components

¥ Restore coin mechanism (install missing spiral
spring cover)
¥ Replace plating on hardware
¥ Install relay and cover (lessens wear on coin mech
contacts)
¥ Install vintage light fixtures using custom made
fabric covered wiring and fabric wire loom)
¥ Clean and polish motor and install new plated
adjuster knob
Restore Xylophone

¥ Clean bars and apply coating of tung oil
¥ Tune bars to original pitch
¥ Replace copper plating on hex screws
¥ Replace stringer cord
¥ Make and install missing expression devices (two
pneumatics, rest rail, and related hardware)
¥ Replace all valve pouches and valve face leathers
¥ Replace all gaskets
¥ Replace all coverings
¥ Replace brass plating on beater wires
¥ Make and install new bellow springs
Restore Piano Stack/Rebuild Simplex Unit Valves

¥ Replace all valve pouches and valve face leathers
¥ Replace all gaskets
¥ Replace all coverings
¥ Replace plating on top valve seats
¥ Reseal bottom valve seats
Restore Vacuum Pump

¥ Replace outer covering with sealed leather
¥ Make and install new inner and outer flap valves
¥ Recondition pump body
¥ Clean and/or replace plating of hardware (brass and
nickel)
¥ Install new friction drive tire
¥ Resurface idler pulley
¥ Make and install new drive belt (shorten original
drive belt as well)
Restore Music Roll Frame

¥ Clean mechanism
¥ Replace brass plating on hardware
¥ Clean and polish tracker bar
¥ Swap Seeburg style spool ends with matching style
¥ Paint spool ends to look like original Bakelite spool
ends
¥ Restore rewind/play unit
¥ Replace rubber tubing
¥ Make and install missing tubing cover
Restore Drum Shelf

¥ Make and install missing on/off unit
¥ Make and install missing expression devices
¥ Replace all valve pouches and valve face leathers
¥ Replace all gaskets
¥ Replace all coverings
¥ Install new synthetic skin drumhead
¥ Replace plating on triangle and hardware
Restore other Pneumatic Components

¥ Replace all valve pouches and valve face leathers
¥ Replace all gaskets
¥ Replace all coverings
¥ Make and install missing Hammer Rail unit
¥ Make and install missing tubing guides
¥ Replace rubber tubing
November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 23

Just six years ago (Aug. 11, 2013),
Dave Jr. drove the machine to our
house in Maryland from Marysville,
OH, and made sure everything was
working great. In addition, he couldnÕt
resist doing some work on my Seeburg
ÒKÓ machine!

Dave Ramey Sr. started his work
with mechanical music in 1955, receiving
his automatic music education
while maintaining the nickelodeon
collection at SvobodaÕs Nickelodeon
Tavern and Museum in Chicago, IL.
Around 1970, Dave Sr. began a full-
time restoration business. He trained
a number of skilled craftsmen. Then,
in 1994, he introduced the Banjo-Orchestra
nickelodeon orchestrion and
established the D.C. Ramey Piano
Company. The company has since
sold many of these units. Dave Ramey
Sr. passed away in July 2006. His son,
who followed him into the family business,
became a full timer at the D.C.
Ramey Piano Company in 1986 after
years of working after school and
summers alongside his father. Dustin
Hott worked with Dave Jr. in that
period and he did much of the piano
work for my restoration project.

The restoration of the Nelson-Wiggen
was so wonderful, that if it were
once again magically 1925 and I
ordered this same machine new from
the factory, and it looked like what I
got from Dave, I would be perfectly
happy.

I honestly canÕt believe it! Sometimes

The restored, and gleaming, sound board and plate reinstalled in the machine.

Left: Rebuilt unit valves pre-installation. Above, rebuilt piano
parts waiting their turn to be joined with the rest of the parts.

24 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

A view of the interior of the nickelodeon post restoration. Compare to the image on Page 20.

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 25

A close up of the upper section showing
the triangle and piano parts installed.

I find myself looking at it periodically
simply to marvel at the restoration. I
would be playing it now, except I am
stuck writing this article. The expression
system really does add a lot. The
xylophone beaters move closer to the
bars when the hammer-rail channel is
active. This gives an amazingly subtle
sound.

One side note, itÕs great to have
friends like Bart Off who contributed
original curtains and the lid molding.
He also helped on technical issues.
For example, the original machines
had Òbanjo railsÓ rather than Òmandolin
railsÓ. Instead of metal clips, there
are small blocks of wood which makes
a banjo-like sound when struck. So, I
now have a banjo rail on the machine.
Unfortunately, Bart is no longer with
us.

Dave Ramey Jr. can be reached at
dcramey@dcramey.com. His phone
is (708) 602-3961. Visit his website
dcramey.com.

Email Matt Jaro at mjaro@verizon.
net if you would like any information
about style ÒAÓ, ÒGÓ, Ò4XÓ, ÒHÓ or ÒOÓ rolls.
Also, comments and suggestions for this
column will be appreciated.

Reprinted with permission of the
author and The Automatic Musical
Instrument CollectorsÕ Association
(AMICA). Originally printed in the September-
October 2013 issue of The AMICA
Bulletin.

Above: Specifications for the banjo rail. Right: The finished product featuring cur-
tains and lights to showcase the motion of the instruments while playing.

26 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 27

28 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

Lowell BoehlandÕs photo captures one of the fascinating collections
attendees were invited to see during the 2019 MBSI
Annual Meeting in Rockville, MD. This collection belongs to
Dick and Cheryl Hack, who live in Annapolis, MD. Featured in
this photo from left to right are Bursens Cafe Organ, a 86-key
Mortier Dance Organ, Wurlitzer CX orchestrion with wonder-
light, and a Hupfeld Phonoliszt Violina B. The following pages
feature much more from this yearÕs annual gathering of MBSI
members.

By B Bronson

More than 200 MBSI members and
guests, made the trek to Rockville,
MD, for MBSIÕs 70th Annual Meeting,
hosted by the National Capital
Chapter. The Rockville Hilton, which
so ably handled our group in 2011,
was again the base of operations and
equaled or bettered its performance
of eight years earlier. The hospitality
room had a number of ragtime related
displays to keep with the theme of the
meeting. The committee did a great
job of lining up activities, including
the fantastic home tours. The bus
gods were apparently appeased as
there were few glitches traffic-wise.

Dick and Cheryl Hack opened up
their comprehensive collection with
the breathtaking Chesapeake Bay as a
background. Two groups were formed
on arrival with Dick taking half the
visitors through most of the larger
instruments including a Hupfeld Phonoliszt,
a Welte orchestrion, an Arburo
and dance organs by Decap and Mortier.
Meanwhile, Cheryl demonstrated
music boxes and smaller crank instruments.
She also took her group into
the garage where upstairs guests saw
a Seeburg G, a Link 2E, a rare Mills
Panoram and a couple of jukeboxes.
The powerful, model 36 Ruth was then
played and, as nice as it was, most of
the group went outdoors to enjoy it
with the door closed.

Above the HackÕs garage visitors were
treated to a viewing of a rare Mills
Panoram.

Dick Hack plays one of his Wurltizer jukeboxes for Warren and Barbara Stiska.

MBSGB Alison Biden shoots photos of the model 36 A Ruth & Sohn dance organ
which sits opposite a Wurlitzer 153 band organ.

Jerry Biasella listens to a small barrel organ at the Hack home.

30 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

Visitors listen to the HackÕs Welte orchestrion and admire the DeCap dance organ nearby.

The HackÕs Wurlitzer Style B Automatic Phonographs, disc music boxes, crank organs and many other music boxes were
Harp on display. on display during the tour of the Hack collection.

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 31

Dick Hack demonstrates a pair of table-top organettes.
A large cylinder box entertains visitors at the Hack home.

Cheryl Hack plays a floor-standing Mira disc box.

Cheryl Hack talks with a visitor about one of her disc boxes.

Dick Hack discusses the inner workings of his National automatic
piano.

Visitors marvel at the ÒBakerÕs PacersÓ mechanical horserace Tour hosts Dick and Cheryl Hack pause for a moment together
machine in the HackÕs basement. in front of their Mortier organ.

32 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

Durward Center, in Baltimore,
MD, invited meeting goers to see
his fabulous collection of Weltes. He
is the expert when it comes to this
machine and he had some fine examples
to demonstrate. He also played
his 60-key Hooghuys while many
admired his beautifully restored tower
clocks. Everyone then visited the shop
downstairs, which had an authentic
line shaft setup for powering much
of his equipment. It was jokingly said
that he could probably restore more
machines if he didnÕt spend so much
time cleaning up his shop. It was
immaculate!

Durward Center and his dog, Buddy, in front of his Welte Style 5 orchestrion.

One of the tower clocks in Durward
CenterÕs Orchestrion Hall.

Durward CenterÕs collection of brass
bladed electric fans drew many viewers. The exterior of a tower clock.

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 33

On the left is Durward CenterÕs Burdett Reed Organ and on the right is his recently-restored Welte Philharmonic Organ.

A Welte Cabinet Piano, ca. 1906, in
Inside Durward CenterÕs workshop is a pristine 12.5 horsepower oil engine. Orchestrion Hall.

34 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

Antiques are everywhere in Durward
Durward Center plays his 60-key Hooghuys organ. CenterÕs home.

The Seth Thomas Tower Clock is one of
A collection of ornate ceiling fan motors in Durward CenterÕs workshop. three at Durward CenterÕs home.

A North Tonawanda Musical Instrument
Works Style 146 band organ in the Antique clocks, statuary, mirrors, chandeliers and furniture can be found in Durward
workshop. CenterÕs living room.

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 35

Jack and Mildred Hardman, always
gracious hosts, had some treats in
store. Mildred showed her exquisite
collection of antique beaded handbags.
Meanwhile, Jack played their
Edgerton KT Special, some small
crank organs and the wonderful
sounding Dutch street organ by Anton
Pluer named ÒDe Kei.Ó There were
many side collections to see, including
many wind-up toys, model steam
engines and a large representation
of locomotive and marine air horns.
Finally, Jack and Mildred introduced
internationally known organist, Walt
Strony, who played a concert on their
38 rank Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. An
interesting feature to the installation
is a camera mounted overhead, which
projects a neat view of the organist at
work.

Walt Strony plays a concert for the
assembled MBSI members.

The control center of the HardmanÕs 38-rank Wurlitzer Theatre Organ.

Jack and Mildred HardmanÕs collection of locomotive and marine air horns makes
for a colorful display above the workshop. The ÒDe KeiÓ organ is in the background.

Walt Strony speaks to the crowd prior to his performance.

A replica Seeburg KT Special nickelodeon sits next to an
antique Phono Lamp with original silk lamp shade.

36 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

The 90-key Dutch street organ built by Anton Pluer and named ÒDe KeiÓ is a colorful centerpiece in the HardmanÕs collection.

Mildred and Jack Hardman discuss their MBSI members looking through Mildred HardmanÕs collection of antique beaded
31/84 Raffin hand-cranked organ. handbags.

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 37

The Seeburg G sounds and looks great, too, with its art glass
Matt Jaro talks to members about his Seeburg H nickelodeon. panels backlit and the doors closed.

Alberic Godderis and Beth Ann Mitchell listen to Matt JaroÕs Matt Jaro performs for members on his grand piano set
Seeburg K with pipes featuring dancing girls art glass. against a backdrop of a beautiful day on the East Coast.

38 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

The JaroÕs Western Electric Mascot C nickelodeon is one of their more recent
acquisitions.

Finally, Meeting Chairman Matt Jaro
and wife Beni entertained everyone
in their expansive home. They collect
mostly American nickelodeons with
such examples as Seeburg K, G and

H. Matt was particularly proud of the
great sounding H, which has been
outfitted with a MIDI player. He has a
great number of original rolls scanned
and available, but he was most excited
to show off the new arrangements he
has for the system. Once again, the
group was split in two, so while half
were seeing the instruments, the other
half was in the basement watching a
Laurel and Hardy movie along with
several comical shorts and newsreels.
All were shown by a professional
theater projector. Matt has a massive
collection of films and a seemingly
unending number of 78 rpm records.
Hosts Beni and Matt Jaro welcoming
guests to their home.

Matt JaroÕs Nelson-Wiggen Style 4-X
nickelodeon was set up in the hospital-
ity room to entertain meeting attendees.

Lyle Merithew, Freddy Heyse, Mary Pollock, Danny De Bie and Rob Pollock listen to
Matt Jaro describe the restoration of the Western Electric Mascot C.

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 39

Events were scheduled for after the
collection visits. Wednesday night,
there was a Welcome Dinner. It was
designed to replace the first-timerÕs
reception and was well received. We
saw the first of the many creative center
pieces designed by Ginny Little.
Following the dinner, Jere Ryder, conservator
of the Guinness collection
at the Morris Museum in New Jersey,
used his knowledge of the history of
Murtogh Guinness to help create the
link between ragtime and mechanical
music. Thursday night made use of
the theater within the hotel to show
the Harold Lloyd silent classic, ÒSafety
Last.Ó It was first-come, first-served
and was Òsold out.Ó

Friday was reserved for workshops
which were numerous, informative and
entertaining. During the buffet lunch
break, the societyÕs various awards
were presented. And to celebrate the
70th annual meeting, there was a tribute
sound and slide show, put together
by the usual suspects, Bob and Diane
Yates. It showcased the many people
who, over the years, have made the
MBSI what it is today. That night, an
ice cream social was enjoyed by all.

The next morning, the annual breakfast
business meeting was convened
to cover the necessary concerns
of the society. As always, finances
were reviewed, various committees
reported, and the chapters described
their activities over the past year.
This year included the passing of the
presidentÕs gavel. Members warmly
welcomed Tom Kuehn as he stepped
in to replace Clay Witt. Both were
smiling broadly, for opposite reasons!
Dealers and members then retreated
to the designated rooms to participate
in the annual mart, hopefully where
those who wish to thin out their
collection, meet those who want to
increase theirs.

It was then on to the Annual Banquet,
bittersweet in that it is always a
good time, but it also signals the end
of the meeting. Members got oiled
up at the cash bar and then sat down
for another great meal with top notch
service that the hotel afforded for the
prior several days. The entertainment
for the evening was the president of
the Northern Virginia Ragtime Society,

40 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 41

42 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

Alex Hassan, who re-created Ò… the
spirited and glorious melodies of the
Golden Age of popular music.Ó The
only item left was to receive the table
favor which was a 30-note music box
for which music could be punched
out and played by cranking the paper
through the unit. For the musically
challenged, a pre-punched strip came
with it, playing the ÒWeeping Willow
Rag.Ó

Kudos to Matt and his team who
organized another great annual meeting!
As old friends and new friends said
their goodbyes, all looked forward to
the 2020 meeting, to be hosted by the
Golden Gate Chapter and the AMICA
Founding Chapter, set for Sept. 2-7 in
Redwood City, CA.

Editors Note: I wish to offer a huge
thank you to our volunteer photographers
Lowell Boehland, B Bronson, Bob Caletti,
Ed Cooley, Ginny Little, and Sandy
Lynch for providing these wonderful
images from this event.

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 43

44 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 45

Interesting Tidbits

By Craig Darlak

While playing my Hoffbauer street
organ on the historic town square of
Dahlonega GA, this past Christmas
(an event that earned some positive
coverage in Southern Living magazine)
I was contacted by the Lumpkin
county Historical Society to be a guest
speaker. I agreed and a date was set. It
was advertised in the newspaper and
on the historical society website.

A large crowd of about 150 people
attended. I took numerous mechanical
music items from my collection to
demonstrate and talk about.

I started with small items and progressed
to larger ones. I demonstrated
a Rolmonica, nose flute, organettes,
cylinder music box, disc music box,
street organs, gramophone and a
TanzbŠr accordion. The crowd was
very receptive to my presentation and
had lots of questions.

I talked about being a member of
MBSI, AMICA (Automatic Musical
Instrument CollectorsÕ Association),
and COAA (Carousel Organ Association
of America).

I gave the same presentation to
my sonÕs school, and was also asked
to be a guest speaker at the Georgia
Archives meeting in January 2019.
I feel by exposing more people to
mechanical music might generate
more members. If you are interested
in making a presentation, please feel
free to contact me to learn how I did
it. Email me at arburo2010@aol.com.

A variety of the authorÕs items displayed during the various presentations made to three different organizations.

Craig Darlak discusses his mechanical music instruments with audience members. Newspaper coverage of the event.

Northwest International Chapter

Chair: Rick Swaney
Reporter: Dale Tyvand.
Photographers: Dale Tyvand, Rick
Swaney, Kathy Baer

Jul. 20, 2019 Ð Vancouver, BC

On Jul. 20, members of the Northwest
International Chapter (NWIC)
met in Vancouver, British Columbia,
at the home of Phil and Iris Dayson.
Joining the festivities were several
members of the local AMICA (Automatic
Musical Instrument CollectorsÕ
Association) chapter. Phil entertained
the group, working through the history
of mechanical music while demonstrating
his various instruments as
part of that discussion.

Among the instruments played
was a MIDI-driven clavicytherium,
a harpsichord with the soundboard
and strings mounted vertically facing
the player. Like an up-right piano, the
design allows a significant space savings
though the inability to use gravity
for the jack mechanism complicates
the design.

Phil played his marvelous bottle
organ, that he built a number of years
ago from oil-filled Manischewitz bottles
with air blown across the top of
the bottles to generate the pleasantly
mellow notes.

The 6-foot cabinet housing the
instrument is mounted with lights
driven by the same MIDI interface that
plays the organ.

A follow-on performance was
generated from a second recently
completed bottle organ built as a
collaborative project between Phil
and chapter member Carl Dodrill.
The new design takes advantage of the
knowledge derived from PhilÕs original
bottle organ with much the same warm
sound. Labeled D&D for the two builders,
Carl was good enough to make it
available from his home, where it is
normally housed, to DaysonÕs for the
side-by-side performance.

Phil explains the player piano mechanism with the D&D bottle organ in the
foreground.

The David Leach organ takes the background as Larry Cardy, Rick Swaney, and
Rick Baer catch up with Phil.

NWIC members and guests are entranced as Phil Dayson discusses his roll-to-MIDI
converter.

Beverley SharpeÕs written instructions

Rick Swaney and Phil Dayson discuss the MIDIÕed xylophone. and battery chargers provide little help
to Dale TyvandÕs efforts to play the
TanzbŠr.

The internal workings of the roll-to-MIDI converter are revealed while Rick wraps up
the business meeting.

Beverley Sharpe reveals the Michel
Carl Dodrill plays the Aeolian Orchestrelle player organ to an appreciative audience. Marcu girl and hoop automata.

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 49

Many of PhilÕs instruments make
use of a MIDI interface for which
he is the chapter expert. As part of
the demonstration, Phil displayed a
specially designed hand-crank player
mechanism to read a paper roll and
convert it to MIDI output real-time,
ably showcasing the ability of MIDI to
duplicate a paper roll.

Other instruments demonstrated
included a David Leach organ and
a xylophone, both MIDI-driven. In
addition, Carl Dodrill was enlisted to
ably play selections on the Aeolian
Orchestrelle player organ, requiring
actual leg-power to use the original
pumper mechanism and roll.

The short chapter meeting included
a heartfelt thanks from Carl Dodrill to
the AMICA and MBSI members who
helped run the AMICA national convention
that he co-chaired in Seattle
over the week of Jul. 4. He singled out
Annie Tyvand for her design and creation
of the glass souvenirs provided
to attendees.

The meeting was followed by the
popular show and tell segment. Beverley
Sharpe brought two items from
the collection of hers and recently
passed long-time chapter member Ray
Parkinson. The first of these was a
beautiful Michel Marcu automata of
a blue-eyed young girl rolling a hoop
with a stick with moving arms and
legs to showcase that effort.

The second item was a TanzbŠr
self-playing accordion. Though handwritten
instructions were available,
with no actual experience in the room,
the attempt to demonstrate it resulted
in a good deal of hilarity but no actual
music. The cause of the malfunction
was suspected to be a missing battery.
Though the show-and-tell items were
searching for a new owner, both opted
to return home with Beverley.

Following an afternoon of snacking
on goodies provided by the DaysonÕs,
the meeting adjourned to a nearby
Italian restaurant for follow-on conversations
and catching up.

Though there were no formal
activities for the second day of the
weekend, a number of chapter members
took advantage of the wonderful
Northwest summer weather to attend
a car show and sand sculpting event

Rick Swaney captivates the business meeting audience flanked by clavicytherium,
a bottle organ, harpsichord, and the roll-to-MIDI converter.

Beverley Sharpe, Kathy Baer, and Terry Cardy await PhilÕs efforts with his MIDI
software.

Socializing and snacks, both popular chapter activities

just across the border in nearby Birch be held in early October in Cowichan
Bay, WA. Bay, B.C.

The next meeting of the NWIC will

50 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

Snowbelt Chapter

Chair: Tracy Tolzmann
Reporter: Tom Kuehn

Jun. 9, 2019 Ð Arlington, MN

On Jun. 9, Lawrence and Phyllis
Crawford hosted a joint meeting
of the Snowbelt Chapter of MBSI,
the Land OÕ Lakes Chapter of ATOS
(American Theater Organ Society)
and the Northern Lights Chapter of
AMICA (Automatic Musical Instrument
CollectorsÕ Association) at their
home near Arlington, MN. The original
farmhouse has an addition dubbed
the ÒCrystal Homewood StudioÓ that
houses the musical box collection of
LawrenceÕs parents, F. Richard and
Esther Crawford, founding members
of MBSI. Also inside is a 3/24
Wurlitzer Theater Organ, originally a
two-manual six-rank organ from the
Homewood Theater in Minneapolis.

Edward Copeland, the house
organist at the Heights Theater in
Columbia Heights, entertained guests
with a series of tunes that exhibited
the capabilities of the organ. Lawrence
recorded this concert as has
been done for other musicians who
have given live performances so the
tunes can be played back at a later
time. This was followed by an open
console period when Michel Kline and
other visitors could play the organ.
Lawrence then played the organ from
previously recorded artists using his
extensive library of recordings.

The guests then enjoyed a sumptuous
meal provided by the Crawfords
including various additions brought
by the visitors. It was very clear that
PhyllisÕs family had been in the restaurant
business and knew how to feed a
hungry group out in farm country.

Lawrence and MBSIer Ralph Schultz
played some of the music boxes in the
CrawfordÕs collection, especially for
those visiting for the first time. Ralph
had performed the restoration on several
of the instruments over the years.
The collection includes many unusual

Gary Goldsmith (left) and Alex Stolitza on board CafesjianÕs Carousel at last sum-
merÕs July meeting in Saint PaulÕs Como Park.

Lawrence and Phyllis Crawford hosts of the meeting.

boxes that are rarely seen or heard. by Lawrence and Phyllis, the musical

The guests then departed for the entertainment provided, and the
long drive home with fond memories new friends and acquaintances made
of the wonderful hospitality provided during this joint meeting.

The Musical Box Society of Great Britain announces the publication of two new books
Published in September 2018
The Musical Box Society of Great Britain announces the publication of two new books
Published in September 2018
100pp Hard Back ISO A4 format [8.27Ó . 11.70Ó; Profusely illustrated in

Supplement to

colour throughout with Additional Illustrations of Models, 89 Additional Lid
The Disc Musical Box Pictures Additions to Lists of Models, Patents, Tune Lists & Serial Numbers;
Combined Index of Images in the original book and its Supplement.

Compiled and Edited by
Kevin McElhone

Originally published in 2012 and still available The Disc Musical Box

ISBN 978-0-9557869-6-9

is a compendium of information about Disc Musical Boxes, their Makers and
their Music; profusely illustrated in colour throughout with Illustrations of
each Disk Musical Box Model, and with Catalogue Scans, Lists of Models,
Patents & Tune Lists.

Supplement to
The Organette Book
Compiled and Edited by
Kevin McElhone
ISBN 978-0-9557869-5-2
100pp Hard Back ISO A4 format [8.27Ó . 11.70Ó; Profusely illustrated in
colour throughout;Additional Illustrations of Models; Additions to Lists of
Patents, Tune Lists & Tuning Scales; A New Section on Trade Cards;
Combined Index of Images in the original book and its Supplement.
The Organette Book is a compendium of information about Organettes,
their Makers and their Music. Originally published in 2000 but now out of
print although second-hand copies are occasionally available in online
auctions.
************************************************************************************************************************
For all MBSGB Publications, please refer to the Musical Box Society of Great Britain website for further details including latest
availability, discounted prices and information on how to order. -www.mbsgb.org.uk

Seeking your stories for ….

Did you once spend time finding the perfect musical
antique to round out your collection? What was it? How
did you find it? Was it in ruins, or in perfect condition?

The Hunt

Was there a time you randomly ran across a unique
instrument then found a way to acquire it and restore it
so that you might display it and tell the story to all who
visit your home?

Answer these questions and you will have the perfect
story for ÒThe HuntÓ column in Mechanical Music.

Every mechanical music instrument has a story
behind it and the readers of Mechanical Music love to
read them all. Email your story to editor Russell Kasselman at

Editing help is available if you have a story, but mbsi@irondogmedia.com or mail a copy to:
you are not sure how to organize it or present it. The
important thing is to get it down and pass it on for the MBSI Editorial Offices
enjoyment of others. 3420 Edgewood Drive

We look forward to hearing from you.] San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

52 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

Join us on the Waldkircher Orgelfest Tour in 2020. This first class tour will be conducted at a slow pace to give you
time to enjoy every day of the 14-day program.
The tour will include outstanding collections and the following highlights:
The tour will start with the first overnight in Amsterdam and continue to Haarlem, where we will visit the Stichting
Kunkel Organ Museum. We continue to the historic city of Utrecht to visit the Stadskasteel Oudaen, and have a
private tour of the National Museum van Speelklok tot Pierement. We will also visit the nearby Holland Open Air
Museum (Holland Openluchtmuseum) in Arnhem. Our next destination is
Cologne, where we will take a scenic Rhine River cruise and enjoy a concert in
the famous Cologne Cathedral. We will spend 2 days in Ruedesheim and explore
Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum. We will visit the medieval village of
Rothenburg/Tauber and then continue to Speyer, with visits of the Wilhelmsbau,
the Technic Museum, and the German Museum of Mechanical Musical
Instruments (Deutsches Musikautomaten – Museum) in the Bruchsal Baroque
Palace. The highlight will be the 13th International Waldkircher Orgelfest for 3
days with visits of the JŠger & Brommer Organ Factory and the Elztal Museum in
the 18th century Baroque mansion. At the end of the tour we will explore
Triberg and the Schwarzwald Museum, and ride a historical steam railway.
First class hotels and deluxe bus transportation throughout the tour are guaranteed.
A tour escort with 35 years of worldwide travel experience will make sure you can enjoy an unforgettable tour.
For further information please contact:
Narrow Gauge Paradise Ð John Rogers – Musical Instrument Tours Dept.
P.O. Box 130807, Tampa, Florida 33681-0807
Tel: (001) 813 831 0357, Email: NGPAmerica@aol.com, Web: www.lgbtours.com
SAMPLE Restorations, LLC.
Joe Smith
Email: mbsi@irondogmedia.com to place your ad here!
This could be your ad right here!
November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 53
WE WANT YOUR STORY!
Every mechanical musical instrument has a tale to tell. Share the history of people
who owned your instrument before you, or the story of its restoration, or just what
makes it an interesting piece. Send stories via email to editor@mbsi.org or
mail your story to Iron Dog Media, 130 Coral Court, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

(800) 635-1938 (800) 635-1938
Music Box Company, Inc.

We restore Swiss cylinder and disc music boxes.

¥ Cylinders are repinned if necessary and all worn
parts are rebuilt to original specifications or better.
¥ Combs are repaired and tuned. Nickel plated parts
are replated as needed.
Trust your prized music box to the finest quality
restoration available. We have been accused of over
restoring! Better over than under I say!

We will pick up your music box anywhere east of the
Mississippi River, and transport it to our shop in
Randolph, Vermont, where it will be stored in a
climate-controlled area until itÕs finished and returned.

We have a complete machine shop where we build Porter
Music Boxes, more than 3,000 so far. We are unique in
the industry in that we are capable of manufacturing any
part needed to restore any music box.

See our website, www.PorterMusicBox.com, to read
letters of recommendation and browse a selection of the
finest disc boxes currently being manufactured anywhere
in the world. We have twin disc models, single disc
models with 121/4Ó or15 1/Ò discs, and table models with
beautiful cabinets created for us in Italy. Also we can

occasions.

P.O Box 424
Randolph, VT 05060

support.

Call (800) 635-1938 or
email maryP@portermusicbox.com

Wishing Everyone
a truly glorious and
Musical Holiday Season
filled with the joy
and laughter of being
with those you loveÉand
a New Year filled with
peace and kindness for all.

Discs and books and music boxes galore,
Something for everyone at my magical store!

Nancy Fratti Music Boxes
PO Box 400 Ð Canastota NY 13032 USA
315-684-9977 Ð musicbox@frontiernet.net
www.nancyfrattimusicb

StantonÕs Fall Music Machine
3-Day Auction 3-Day Auction
To be held in the Barry Expo Center, Barry County Fairgrounds,

at 1350 N. M-37 Highway, Hastings, Michigan (4-1/2 miles northwest of Hastingsor 20 miles southeast of Grand Rapids on M-37 to the sale site)

THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, NOV. 21, 22, & 23, 2019
ThursdayÕs Luncheon at 11:30 A.M. – 12:00 Noon
ThursdayÕs Auction Begins at 12:30 P.M.
Friday & SaturdayÕs Auction Begins at 9:00 A.M. Each Day

Our fall event started this type of specialized sale at StantonÕs and has always proven to
be a strong and interesting offering. This upcoming auction will prove to be no different
and has already produced many interesting and wonderful examples of antique music
machines, advertising and collectibles from estates and private collections. Many of
these items were acquired from the owners 40-50 years ago when they began collecting
and have been held behind closed doors since that time.

A very rare Berliner Gramophone hand wind machine with stamped wheel (see
photographs), a rare and great Melba phonograph with pedestal and Victor Brass horn,
Edison fan, Edison Kinetoscope, rare Edison Mazda advertising with Maxfield Parrish
illustrations, store displays, Herzog full barrel & bow front record cabinets, records, fine
Victor phonographs and wooden horn machines, rare lamp phonographs, cylinder and
disc music boxes, roller organs, and more.

Also, from a wonderful eastern U.S. Collection is a Black Forest grouping including a rare
Quail & Cuckoo clock that operates every . hour, Symphonion wall clock with music
box, Regina Coin Operated music box with gum dispenser, Kalliope Christmas tree stand
with disc music box & bells, a rare automatic flute with 8 wooden pipes, and more.

This will be an excellent auction, and a great opportunity for sellers and buyers alike.

AUCTIONEERS & REALTORSSTANTONÕSStantonÕs Auctioneers,
Appraisers, & Realtors
144 S. Main, P.O. Box 146
Vermontville, MI 49096
Phone: (517) 726-0181
Fax: (517) 726-0060
E-mail: stantonsauctions@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.stantons-auctions.com
Steven E. Stanton
(517) 331-8150 cellular
(517) 852-0627 evening
E-mail Ð stevenEstanton@gmail.com
Michael C. Bleisch
(517) 231-0868 cellular
E-mail Ð mcbleisch@gmail.com
Selling all types of fine collections at auction, across North America. Call to discuss the sale of your items in total confidence.
We can handle the moving, packing, insurance and sale of the items. Established in 1954. References available.

StantonÕs Fall Music Machine
3-Day Auction 3-Day Auction
Contact us early to have your items included and call to get on our travel schedule. We already
have trips planned to various locations on the west coast, as well as the south (Florida & Southeast)
and of course the Midwest and east coast. DonÕt wait to the last minute and anticipate that we
will be able to drop everything and head your wayÉitÕs a lot easier to call early to discuss you
situation giving us an adequate amount of time to plan, schedule and promote the items that you
have collected.

Steven E. Stanton Ð Cellular (517) 331-8150Email Ð stevenEstanton@gmail.com

Michael C. Bleisch Ð Cellular (517) 231-0868Email Ð mcbleisch@gmail.com

StantonÕs Auctioneers,
AUCTIONEERS & REALTORSSTANTONÕSSteven E. Stanton

(517) 331-8150 cellular

Appraisers, & Realtors

(517) 852-0627 evening

144 S. Main, P.O. Box 146
Vermontville, MI 49096 E-mail Ð stevenEstanton@gmail.com

Phone: (517) 726-0181

Michael C. Bleisch

Fax: (517) 726-0060

(517) 231-0868 cellular

E-mail: stantonsauctions@sbcglobal.net

E-mail Ð mcbleisch@gmail.com

Website: www.stantons-auctions.com
Selling all types of fine collections at auction, across North America. Call to discuss the sale of your items in total confidence.
We can handle the moving, packing, insurance and sale of the items. Established in 1954. References available.

BenÕs Player Piano Service
Repair and restoration of air powered mechanical music
devices of all description.
Player pianos
Reproduing pianos
Dance organs
Fairground organs
Nickelodeon pianos
Original historically
Correct techniques
And materials used
Throughout in the
Rebuilding process.
Benjamin R Gottfried
464 Dugan Road, Richfield Springs NY 13439
Bensplayerservice.com 315-858-2164
WeÕre passionate
about restoring
fine vintage
pianos
50+ years experience
(517) 886-9447
info@reederpianos.com
5660 W. Grand River Ave
Lansing, MI 48906
Chet Ramsay
Antiques
Complete Restoration
Services Available.
Specializing in Music Boxes
Ð Ð
Bought ¥ Sold ¥ Repaired
¥ Outside Horn Phonographs
¥ Music Boxes
Come visit our Victorian
showroom and workshop
East Fallowfield Twp.
2460 Strasburg Road
Coatesville, PA 19320
2 miles south of Coatesville
610-384-0514
Showroom open by appointment
Fine Art & Antique Consignments
The highest level of customer service plus private,
professional and confidential transactions.
58 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

in San Fran – cis – co
57th Annual Meeting of theAutomatic Musical InstrumentCollectors Association& 71st Annual Meeting of theMusical Box Society InternationalHosted by the AMICA Founding Chapter
and the MBSI Golden Gate Chapter
Pullman Hotel, Redwood City, California
September 2-7, 2020
in San Fran -cis-co
57th Annual Meeting of theAutomatic Musical InstrumentCollectors Association& 71st Annual Meeting of theMusical Box Society InternationalHosted by the AMICA Founding Chapter
and the MBSI Golden Gate Chapter
Pullman Hotel, Redwood City, California
September 2-7, 2020
Ride the train through the redwoods to the top of the mountain

Return for lunch and then take the train
to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the 1911 Looff Carousel

1. 2.
3.
1. A Paillard ÒGloriaÓ piccolo-zither
cylinder music box
$2,000-3,000

2. A Charles Bruguier vermeil
and enamel fusŽe bird box
$10,000-15,000

3. A Gebruder Weber ÒOteroÓ
orchestrion
$150,000-200,000

4. An M. Welte & Sšhne style 3
ÒCottageÓ orchestriton
$200,000-300,000

The Ralph & Gloria SchackMechanical Music Collection

A capsule collection featured in The Traditional Collector auction

Sunday, December 15, 2019

For auction inquiry, please contact Roland Rynkiewiscz at: 626-793-1833

1969 2019

4.

145 East Walnut Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016
www.johnmoran.com á info@johnmoran.com á (626) 793-1833

THE MART THE MART
CLASSIFIED ADS

¥ 47¢ per word
¥ ALL CAPS, italicized and bold
words: 60¢ each.
¥ Minimum Charge: $11 per ad.
¥ Limit: One ad in each category
¥ Format: See ads for style
¥ Restrictions: Ads are strictly
limited to mechanical musical
instruments and related items and
services
¥ MBSI memberÕs name must
appear in ad
¥ Non-members may advertise at the
rates listed plus a 10% surcharge
PLEASE NOTE:

The first two words (or more
at your choice) and the memberÕs
name will be printed in all caps/bold
and charged at 60¢ per word.

Mechanical Music

Mechanical Music is mailed to all
members at the beginning of every
odd month Ñ January, March, May,
July, September and November.

MBSI Advertising Statement

It is to be hereby understood
that the placing of advertisements
by members of the Society in this
publication does not constitute nor
shall be deemed to constitute any
endorsement or approval of the business
practices of advertisers. The
Musical Box Society International
accepts no liability in connection
with any business dealings between
members and such advertisers.

It is to be further understood that
members are to rely on their own
investigation and opinion regarding
the reputation and integrity of
advertisers in conducting such business
dealings with said advertisers.

FOR SALE
RESTORED MUSICAL BOXES Offering a
variety of antique musical boxes, discs,
orphan cylinders, reproducing piano rolls &
out of print books about mechanical music.
BILL WINEBURGH 973-927-0484 Web:
antiquemusicbox.us

THE GOLDEN AGE of AUTOMATIC MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS By ART REBLITZ.
Award-winning classic that brings historical,
musical, and technical information to life
with hundreds of large, vivid color photos.
We guarantee youÕll find it to be one of the
most interesting, inspiring, informative books
you have in your libraryÐor your money back.
Everyone has been delighted, and some
readers have ordered several copies. Get
your copy today for $99 plus S/H. MECHANICAL
MUSIC PRESS-M, 70 Wild Ammonoosuc
Rd., Woodsville, NH 03785. (603) 747-2636.

http://www.mechanicalmusicpress.com

BEAUTIFUL CONDITION antique 18-inch
Mira Oak console disc player with 40 plus
metal discs included. Works perfectly and
sounds amazing. Asking $6,000 but will take
best offer. Located in Daly City, CA. Contact
ROGER LEVENTHAL at roger.leventhal@
gmail.com

27Ó REGINA DOUBLE COMB DISC UPRIGHT
MUSIC BOX # 21007 1896 Shipped from
factory May 1, 1896 to Murray Spinks &
Co, Providence RI. Includes Regina factory
shipping certificate and Paperwork of 1966
purchase from Ruth Bornand, Pelham, NY
Style 4 Mahogany. Plays as beautiful as it

Display Advertising Dimensions and Costs
Dimensions 1 issue 3 issues* 6 issues*
Back Cover 8.75Ó x 11.25Ó $600 $540 $510
Inside Covers 8.75Ó x 11.25Ó $450 $405 $383
Full Page 7.25Ó x 9.75Ó $290 $261 $246
Half Page 7.25Ó x 4.5Ó $160 $144 $136
Quarter Page 3.5Ó x 4.5Ó $90 $81 $77
Eighth Page 3.5Ó x 2.125Ó $50 $45 $43
Add a 10% surcharge to the prices shown above if you are not a member of MBSI.
*Display Discounts shown above are calculated as follows:
3 consecutive ads 10% Discount
6 consecutive ads 15% Discount

SUBMIT ADS TO:

MBSI Ads
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(253) 228-1634
Email: editor@mbsi.org

Add a photo to your ad!

Photos are only $30 extra per issue.

Email editor@mbsi.org or

call (253) 228-1634 for more details.

ALL ADS MUST BE PREPAID

We accept VISA/MC and Paypal.

ADVERTISING DEADLINES:

The 1st day of each even month:
Feb., Apr., Jun, Aug., Oct. and Dec.

Display ads may be submitted
camera-ready, as PDF files, or with
text and instructions. File submission
guidelines available on request.

Errors attributable to Mechanical
Music, and of a significant nature, will
be corrected in the following issue
without charge, upon notification.

62 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

Advertise in The Mart

Have some spare parts or extra rolls taking up the space where you should be
installing your next acquisition? Ready to trade up, but need to sell one of your
current pieces first? Get the word out to other collectors by advertising in The
Mart, an effective advertising tool at an inexpensive price.

Fill out the form below and mail to MBSI at 130 Coral Court, Pismo Beach, CA
93449. Call (253) 228-1634 with questions.

WURLITZER PIANINO late style with pipes
and xylophone. Also wanting APP changer
rolls. Marches and old favorites. Contact:
DON KROENLEIN, fbac@one-eleven.net

WANTED TO BUY Coin-operated arcade-
style working models or coin-operated
automata. Please Contact PETER WALKER,
at peterswalker@sky.com

SERVICES
REPRODUCTION POLYPHON discs; Catalogs
available for 19 5/8Ó, 22 1/8Ó, and 24 1/2Ó.
DAVID CORKRUM 5826 Roberts Ave, Oakland,
CA 94605-1156, 510-569-3110,
www.polyphonmusic.com

SAVE $Õs on REUGE & THORENS MUSIC
BOX REPAIR & RESTORATION Ð MBSI
MEMBERS RECEIVE WHOLESALE PRICING.

40 + Years experience servicing all makes
& models of cylinder and disc music boxes,
bird boxes, bird cages, musical watches, Anri
musical figurines, et al. All work guaranteed.
WeÕre the only REUGE FACTORY AUTHORIZED
Parts & Repair Service Center for all of North
America. Contact: DON CAINE -The Music
Box Repair Center Unlimited, 24703 Pennsylvania
Ave., Lomita, CA 90717-1516. Phone:

(310) 534-1557 Email: MBRCU@AOL.COM.
On the Web: www.musicboxrepaircenter.com
looks. Price: $28,000 includes 141 playable
27Ó discs. Shipping buyer responsibility. 25
cent coin operated, it is in great working
condition. It can also be played tripping a
lever inside the door without coin insertion.
Regina upright music box, ÒGod of MusicÓ
carved mahogany case Measures 86Ó tall,
39Ó wide, 18Ó deep. Original keys included
Also includes 141 playable 27Ó discs, most
are original, some are Porter copper plated

reproductions. For additional pictures and
information please contact BILL AND ANN
SYLVANDER, at annsylvander@hotmail.com
or 651.437.6704

MARVELS OF MECHANICAL MUSIC – MBSI
Video. Fascinating and beautifully-made
film which explains the origins of automatic
musical instruments, how they are collected
and preserved today, and their historic
importance, MBSI members and collections
are featured. $20 USD. Free shipping in the
continental U.S. Additional postage charges
apply for other locations. Purchase now at
www.mbsi.org

WANTED
LOOKING TO BUY Grand Roller Organ
32-note cobs. Contact: DAVID COSMO, 845224-
6355, dave@cprdave.com

Name Phone
Email
Text of ad

Display Advertisers

2 Renaissance Antiques
52 Musical Box Society of Great
Britain
53 Bob Caletti Music Box
Restorations
53 Waldkircher Orgelfest Tours
54 Porter Music Box Company
55 Nancy Fratti Music Boxes
56 StantonÕs Auctioneers & Realtors
57 StantonÕs Auctioneers & Realtors
58 BenÕs Player Piano Service
58 Chet Ramsay Antiques
58 Cottone Auctions
58 Reeder Pianos
59 Golden Gate Chapter/AMICA
60 John Moran Auctioneers
61 John Moran Auctioneers
67 Marty Persky
68 Auction Team Breker

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 63

OFFICERS, TRUSTEES & COMMITTEES of the
MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL¨

OFFICERS
President

Tom Kuehn
4 Williams Woods
Mahtomedi, MN 55115
kuehn001@umn.edu

Vice President

David Corkrum
5826 Roberts Avenue
Oakland, CA 94605
musikwerke@att.net

Recording Secretary

Linda Birkitt
PO Box 541
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693
scarletpimpernel28@yahoo.com

Treasurer

Edward Kozak
3615 North Campbell Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
kozak@seldenfox.com

TRUSTEES

Bob Caletti
Ed Cooley
Sally Craig
Wayne Finger
Matt Jaro
Tom Kuehn
Mary Ellen Myers
Clay Witt

MBSI FUNDS

COMMITTEES
Audit

Edward Cooley, Chair, Trustee

G.Wayne Finger, Trustee
Third member TBD
Matt Jaro, Trustee
Endowment Committee

Edward Kozak, Treasurer, Chair
Edward Cooley, Trustee

G.Wayne Finger, Trustee
B Bronson
Wayne Wolf
Executive Committee

Tom Kuehn, Chair, President
David Corkrum, Vice President
Clay Witt, Immediate Past Pres.
Sally Craig, Trustee

G.Wayne Finger, Trustee
Finance Committee

Edward Kozak, Chair, Treasurer
Wayne Wolf, Vice Chair
David Corkrum, Vice President
Edward Cooley, Trustee
Peter Both

Marketing Committee

Bob Smith, Chair

G.Wayne Finger, Trustee
Meetings Committee

Matt Jaro, Chair, Trustee
Judy Caletti
Tom Chase
Cotton Morlock
Mary Pollock
Rich Poppe

Membership Committee

Chair, TBD
Mary Ellen Myers, Trustee,

Southeast
Linda Birkitt, Southern California
Christine Hopwood, Golden Gate
Julie Morlock, Southeast
Rob Pollock, Mid-America
Dan Wilson, Piedmont
Gerald Yorioka, Northwest IntÕl
TBD, East Coast
TBD, Great Lakes
TBD, National Capital
TBD, Snowbelt
TBD, Sunbelt

Museum Committee

Sally Craig, Chair, Trustee
Glenn Crater, National Capital
Ken Envall, Southern California
Julian Grace, Sunbelt
Wayne Myers, Southeast
Richard Simpson, East Coast

Museum Sub-Committees

Ohio Operations
Emery Prior

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Publications Back Issues:

Jacque Beeman

Regina Certificates:

B Bronson

MBSI Pins and Seals:

Jacque Beeman

Librarian:

Jerry Maler

Historian:

Bob Yates

Nominating Committee

Dan Wilson, Chair
Clay Witt, Immediate Past Pres.
Bob Caletti, Golden Gate, Trustee
Sally Craig, National Capital,

Trustee
Judy Miller, Southeast
Dale Tyvand, Northwest IntÕl
Bill Wineburgh, East Coast

Publications Committee

Bob Caletti, Chair, Trustee
Steve Boehck
Dave Corkrum, Vice President
Christian Eric
Kathleen Eric
Terry Smythe

Publications
Sub-Committee

Website Committee
Rick Swaney, Chair
Julian Grace
B Bronson
Don Henry
Knowles Little, Web Secretary

Special Exhibits Committee

Chair Mary Ellen Myers, Trustee,

Southeast,
David Corkrum, Golden Gate
Robert Ebert, Mid-America
Jack Hostetler, Southeast
Judy Miller, Piedmont
Wayne Myers, Southeast
Rick Swaney, Northwest IntÕl

MBSI Editorial Office:

Iron Dog Media
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
editor@mbsi.org

Members can donate to these funds at any time.
Send donations to: General Fund (unrestricted)
MBSI Administrator, Endowment Fund (promotes the purposes of MBSI, restricted)
PO Box 10196, Ralph Heintz Publications Fund (special literary projects)
Springfield, MO 65808-0196. Museum Fund (supports museum operations)

All manuscripts will be subject to editorial review. Committee and the Editorial Staff. are considered to be the authorÕs personal opinion.
Articles submitted for publication may be edited The article will not be published with significant The author may be asked to substantiate his/her
or rejected at the discretion of the Publications changes without the authorÕs approval. All articles statements.

64 MECHANICAL MUSIC November/December 2019

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Date Event Location Sponsor
Nov. 17, 2019 Golden Gate Chapter Meeting Morgan Hill, CA Chris and Greg Hopwood
Dec. 8, 2019 Snowbelt Chapter Meeting Belle Plaine, MN Ralph & Carol Schultz
Sept. 2-6, 2020 MBSI Annual Meeting – Joint with AMICA Redwood City, CA Golden Gate Chapter

Please send dates for the Calendar of Events to Russell Kasselman (editor@mbsi.org)

CONTACTS

Administrator Jacque Beeman handles back issues (if available) $6;
damaged or issues not received, address changes, MBSI Directory
listing changes, credit card charge questions, book orders, status of your
membership, membership renewal, membership application, and MBSI
Membership Brochures.
P.O. Box 10196
Springfield, MO 65808-0196
Phone/Fax (417) 886-8839
jbeeman.mbsi@att.net

CHAPTERS

East Coast

Chair: Elise Low
(203) 457-9888
Dues $10 to Geoffrey Wilson
804 Appleton Way
Whippany, NJ 07981

Golden Gate

Chair: Christine Hopwood
chris@hopwood.com
Dues $5 to Dave Corkrum
5826 Roberts Ave.
Oakland, CA 94605

Lake Michigan

Chair: Aaron Muller
(847) 962-2330
Dues $5 to James Huffer
7930 N. Kildare
Skokie, Illinois 60076

Mid-America

Chair: Rob Pollock
(937) 508-4984
Dues $10 to Harold Wade
4616 Boneta Road
Medina, OH 44256

National Capital

Chair: Matthew Jaro
(301) 482-2008
Dues $5 to Florie Hirsch
8917 Wooden Bridge Road
Potomac, MD 20854

Northwest International

Chair: Rick Swaney
(425) 836-3586
Dues $7.50/person to Kathy Baer
8210 Comox Road
Blaine, WA 98230

Piedmont

Chair: Vernon Gantt
(919) 264-2222
vgjr123@yahoo.com
Dues $10 to Vernon Gantt
PO Box 20238
Raleigh, NC 27619

Snowbelt

Chair: Tracy Tolzmann
(651) 674-5149
Dues $10 to Gary Goldsmith
17160 – 245th Avenue
Big Lake, MN 55309

Traveling MBSI Display
Bill Endlein
21547 NW 154th Pl.
High Springs, FL 32643-4519
Phone (386) 454-8359
sembsi@yahoo.com

Regina Certificates: Cost $5.
B Bronson
Box 154
Dundee, MI 48131
Phone (734) 529-2087
art@d-pcomm.net

Advertising for Mechanical Music
Russell Kasselman
Iron Dog Media
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Phone (253) 228-1634
editor@mbsi.org

CHAPTERS

Southeast

Chair: Jack Hostetler
(352) 633-1942
Dues $5 to Clay Witt
820 Del Rio Way Unit 203
Merritt Island, FL 32953

Southern California

Chair: Robin Biggins
(310) 377-1472
Dues $10 to Bob Lloyd
1201 Edgeview Drive
Cowan Hgts, CA 92705

Museum Donations
Sally Craig,
2720 Old Orchard Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone (717) 295-9188
rosebud441@juno.com

MBSI website
Rick Swaney,
4302 209th Avenue NE
Sammamish, WA 98074
Phone (425) 836-3586
r_swaney@msn.com

Web Secretary
Knowles Little
9109 Scott Dr.
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone (301) 762-6253
kglittle@verizon.net

Sunbelt

Chair: Ray Dickey
(713) 467-0349
Dues $10 to Diane Caudill
4585 Felder Road
Washington, TX 77880

Copyright 2018 the Musical Box Society International, all rights reserved. Permission to reproduce by any means, in whole or in part, must be obtained in writing
from the MBSI Executive Committee and the Editor. Mechanical Music is published in the even months. ISSN 1045-795X

November/December 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 65

HALF PAGE
HORIZONTAL
7.25Ó x 4.5Ó
QUARTER
PAGE
3.5Ó x 4.5Ó
EIGHTH
PAGE
3.5Ó x 2.125Ó
Mechanical Music
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Mechanical Music
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments
Volume 63, No. 3 May/June 2017
Mechanical Music
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments
Volume 63, No. 1 January/February 2017
DISPLAY ADVERTISING DIMENSIONS & PER ISSUE COSTS
Dimensions 1 issue 2-3 issues 4-6 issues
Back Cover 8.75Ó x 11.25Ó $600 $540 $510
Inside Covers 8.75Ó x 11.25Ó $450 $405 $383
Full Page 7.25Ó x 9.75Ó $290 $261 $247
Half Page 7.25Ó x 4.5Ó $160 $144 $136
Quarter Page 3.5Ó x 4.5Ó $90 $81 $77
Eighth Page 3.5Ó x 2.125Ó $50 $45 $43
Non-members pay a 10% surcharge on the above rates
Display Discounts shown above are calculated as follows:
3 consecutive ads 10% Discount
6 consecutive ads 15% Discount
FULL PAGE
8.75Ó X 11.25Ó
(0.5Ó bleed)
7.25Ó x 9.75Ó
(live area)
PRODUCTION SCHEDULE
ISSUE NAME ADS DUE DELIVERED ON
January/February December 1 January 1
March/April February 1 March 1
May/June April 1 May 1
July/August June 1 July 1
September/October August 1 September 1
November/December October 1 November 1
Mechanical Music is printed on 70 lb gloss
paper, with a 100 lb gloss cover, saddle-
stitched. Trim size is 8.25Ó x 10.75Ó.
Artwork is accepted in the following formats:
PDF, PSD, AI, EPS, TIF. All images
and colors should be CMYK or Grayscale
and all fonts should be embedded or
converted to outlines. Images should be a
minimum of 300 dpi resolution.
Email  les to:
mbsi@irondogmedia.com
USPS or Fed Ex to:
Iron Dog Media, LLC
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Mechanical Music is mailed to more
than 1,500 members of the Musical
Box Society International six (6) times
per year.
PRINTING & ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS
CIRCULATION
ALL ADS MUST
BE PREPAID
The Musical Box Society International
accepts VISA, Mastercard and online
payments via PayPal.
Contact MBSI Publisher Russell Kasselman at (253) 228-1634 or editor@mbsi.org
CLASSIFIED ADS
¥ 47¢ per word
¥ ALL CAPS, italicized and
bold words: 60¢ each.
¥ Minimum Charge: $11.
¥ Limit: One ad in each
category
¥ Format: See ads for style
¥ Restrictions: Ads are strictly
limited to mechanical musical
instruments and related
items and services

MARTY PERSKY

Instrument Brokering & Locating / Appraisals / Inspections / Free Consultation

Welte 4 Concert Ruth 38 Popper Felix

Mortier 84 key CafŽ Hupfeld Helios II/25 Nelson Wiggen 5X $11,000

Bow Front Violano Niemuth 45-Key Bacigalupo Original Seeburg KT Special $14,000

Visit www.Mechmusic.com for information on these and other fine instruments.

T:847-675-6144 Email: Marty@Mechmusic.com

ÈMechanical MusicÇ
ÈScience, Technology & ToysÇ
9 November 2019
153rd Specialty-Auction
Free consignment shipping to Germany Ð if delivered or sent to our location
in Garden City Park, NY 11040 (10 miles east of JFK Airport)
Free shipping for any major consignment from the U.K.! You just pack Ð we do the rest!
For more information and large colour photographs of upcoming highlights please visit our website at:
www.Breker.com / New Highlights and youtube.com/auctionteambreker
Fully-illustrated bilingual (Engl.-German) COLOUR Catalogue available against prepayment only:
Euro 28.Ð (Europe) or elsewhere Euro 37.Ð (approx. US$ 44.Ð / Overseas)
(Bank draft, cash or by Credit Card with CVV and expiry date: MasterCard/Visa/AmEx)
. Consignments for Future Auctions Always Welcome! .
Ð Leading the Field in Specialist Auctions Ð
P. O. Box 50 11 19, 50971 Koeln/Germany á Tel.: +49 / 2236 / 38 43 40 á Fax: +49 / 2236 / 38 43 430
Otto-Hahn-Str. 10, 50997 Koeln (Godorf)/Germany
e-mail: Auction@Breker.com á www.breker.com á Business Hours: Tue Ð Fri 9 am Ð 5 pm
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT OUR INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES:
Japan: Murakami Taizou, Tel./Fax (06) 68 45 86 28 * murakami@ops.dti.ne.jp á China: Jiang Feng, Tel. 138 620 620 75 * jiangfengde@gmail.com
Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore: Alex Shih-Chieh Lin, (HK), Tel. (+852) 94 90 41 13 * alexsclin@gmail.com
England: Tel. (0)777 963 7317 * AuctionTeamBrekerUK@outlook.de á France: Pierre J. Bickart, Tel. (01) 43 33 86 71 * AuctionTeamKoln@aol.com
Russia: Maksim Suravegin, Tel. +7 903 558 02 50 * Maksim-ATB.ru@gmx.net
U.S.A.: Andrew Truman, Tel. (207) 485 8343 * AndrewAuctionTeamBreker@gmail.com á Australia & New Zealand: P. Bardenheier, (NZ), Tel./Fax (+64) (0)9 817 72 68 * dbarden@orcon.net.nz
Éand many more!
Large Full-Orchestral
Musical Box by Paillard, c. 1880
Estimate: 10.000 Ð 15.000  /
$ 11,300 Ð 17,100
Fairground Organ by Carl Frei, Waldkirch, c. 1910
Estimate: 11.000 Ð 15.000  / $ 12,400 Ð 17,100
Polyphon Style 4 Automatic
Disc-Changing Musical Box, c. 1900
Estimate: 18.000 Ð 25.000  /
$ 20,300 Ð 28,500
Wurlitzer Automatic
Harp Mod. A, c. 1907
Estimate: 25.000 Ð 40.000  /
$ 28,000 Ð 45,000
Blackforest Flute Clock with
Automata Figures, probably
Leopold Kaltenbach, c. 1840
Estimate: 9.000 Ð 12.000  /
$ 10,200 Ð 13,700
Coin-Activated Salon
Gramophone, c. 1910
Estimate: 3.500 Ð 5.000  /
$ 4,000 Ð 5,700
Stollwerck Red Tin Toy
Gramophone, with chocolate
record and original box
Extremely rare!
Estimate: 10.000 Ð 15.000  /
$ 11,300 Ð 17,100
Polyphon Style 30
Manivelle Disc
Musical Box, c. 1900
Estimate:
500 Ð 700  /
$ 565 Ð 800
Maestrophone Model 205
Hot-Air Horn Gramophone,
Paillard, St. Croix, c 1907
Estimate: 10.000 Ð 15.000  /
$ 11,300 Ð 17,100
Berlin Barrel Organ by
G. Bacigalupo Orgel-Fabrik, c. 1910
with unusual programme including music
from Kurt WeillÕs ÒThreepenny OperaÓ
Estimate: 8.000 Ð 12.000  /
$ 9,000 Ð 13,700
Singing Bird Jardinire
Automaton by Bontems, c. 1890
Estimate: 6.000 Ð 8.000  /
$ 6,800 Ð 9,100
Walking Vintager Automaton
by Gustave Vichy, c. 1880
Estimate: 6.000 Ð 8.000  /
$ 6,800 Ð 9,100
Narghile Smoker Automaton
by Leopold Lambert, 1920s
Estimate: 8.000 Ð 12.000  /
$ 9,000 Ð 13,700
ÒPice ˆ OiseauÓ Musical Box, c. 1890
Estimate: 24.000 Ð 28.000  / $ 27,100 Ð 31,900

Mechanical Music Mechanical Music
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments

Volume 65, No. 5 September/October 2019

PuRchAse ¥ sAles ¥ consignment

of Quality Cylinder & Disc Music Boxes, Musical Clocks & Automata

For over forty years weÕve placed fine antiques in collections around the world.
Our reputation has been built upon appreciative buyers and satisfied sellers.
Pictured are a few of the high quality musical antiques in our current inventory.

496 First Street, California 93463 ¥ Ron & Julie Palladino
Open Seven Days a Week 10-6 ¥ 805-452-5700
www.renantiques.com ¥ info@renantiques.com

Visit the charming Danish Village of Solvang, half an hour above Santa Barbara in the beautiful Central Coast Wine Country
RENAISSANCE ANTIQUE S

Renaissance Antiques of solvang

Mechanical Music

Journal of the Musical Box Society International

Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments

Volume 65, No. 5 September/October 2019

Editor/Publisher

Russell Kasselman

(253) 228-1634

editor@mbsi.org

MBSI Editorial Office:

Iron Dog Media

130 Coral Court

Pismo Beach, CA 93449

editor@mbsi.org

Publications Chair

Bob Caletti

All manuscripts will be subject to editorial
review. Articles submitted for publication may
be edited or rejected at the discretion of the
Publications Committee and the Editorial
Staff. The article will not be published with
significant changes without the authorÕs
approval. All articles are considered to be the
authorÕs personal opinion. The author may be
asked to substantiate his/her statements.

Mechanical Music (ISSN 1045-795X) is published by
the Musical Box Society International, 130 Coral Court,
Pismo Beach, CA 93449 six times per year. A Directory
of Members, Museums and Dealers is published
biennially. Domestic subscription rate, $60. Periodicals
postage paid at San Luis Obispo, CA and additional
mailing offices.

Copyright 2019. The Musical Box Society International,
all rights reserved. Mechanical Music
cannot be copied, reproduced or transmitted in
whole or in part in any form whatsoever without
written consent of the Editor and the Executive
Committee.

MEMBERS: SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO:
MBSI, PO Box 10196,
Springfield, MO 65808-0196
Or, make corrections on the website at www.mbsi.org.

POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO

MBSI, PO Box 10196,
Springfield, MO 65808-0196

MBSI NEWS
5 PresidentÕs Message
7 EditorÕs Notes

55 In Memoriam

Features

9 Nickel Notes
by Matt Jaro

16 Book Review: Musical
Boxes from Prague and
Vienna

17 The Hunt: Pursing a
10-year old lead

19 The rest of the story – a
follow up to a previous
The Hunt column

28 A Springtime visit to the
Garden of England

Chapter Reports

38 Mid-America
40 National Capital
43 National Capital
46 Northwest International
49 Southern California
52 Southern California

On the Cover
Mike and Marilyn AmesÕ Wurlitzer
Style 30-A Mandolin Pianorchestra
as seen at a Southern California
Chapter meeting. Photo by Lowell
Boehland. Page 49.
An Orpheus for the ages

Harold Wade brings us the story
of the restoration of his 181/4-inch
upright disc music box. Page 21.

MBSI has replanted 63 trees so far as part
of the Print ReLeaf program.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 3

The World of Mechanical Music The World of Mechanical Music
Copy this page, and give it to a potential new member. Spread the word about MBSI.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Last name First Name Initial

Last Name First Name Initial

Address

City

State / Zip

Postal Code / Country

Phone

Fax

E-mail

Sponsor (optional)

A
A
fascinating hobby! It combines all the appeals of
art, history, craftsmanship, and music all into one.
Automatic music doesnÕt just sit there; it is ever
willing to perform for those who care to hear it. Play an
automatic music machine in a room full of people and all
else will stop as the machine enraptures the audience with
the sparkling melodies of yesteryear!

A ÒMusic BoxÓ is any sort of automatic music instrument
that plays music via the plucking of teeth on a tuned steel
comb through various mechanisms; musical automata;
orchestrions; player and reproducing pianos and organs;
phonographs; and self-playing stringed, wind, and percussion
instruments of any kind.

The Musical Box Society International, chartered by the
New York State Board of Regents, is a nonprofit society dedicated
to the enjoyment, study, and preservation of automatic
musical instruments. Founded in 1949, it now has members
around the world, and supports various educational projects.

Check or Money Order Payable to: MBSI Treasurer (US Funds Only)
Mail to: New Member Registration – MBSI
PO Box 10196
Springfield, MO 65808-0196

Visa/MasterCard

Exp. Date CCV

Signature

Membership Dues

US members (per household)……………………………………….$60

Student Membership…………………………………………………….$20

(online journal access only)

Canada…………………………………………………………………………$70

Other International………………………………………………………$75

(Add $20 for International air mail.)

Join online: www.mbsi.org/join-mbsi

Member Benefits

Six magazines annually Ñ Mechanical Music plus the
Directory of Members, Museums, and Dealers (published
every two years). Membership also entitles you to participate
in the Annual Meeting and to join regional chapters.
New members receive a welcome letter, a Goods & Supplies
Order Form, Directory of Members, Museums, and
Dealers, and a list of the regional chapters.

Regional chapters and an Annual Meeting held each year
in different cities within the United States enable members
to visit collections, exchange ideas, and attend educational
workshops.

Members receive the scholarly journal, Mechanical
Music, which also contains advertising space for members
who wish to buy, sell, and restore mechanical musical
instruments and related items; the Directory of Members,
Museums, and Dealers.

The only requirements for membership are an interest in
automatic music machines and the desire to share information
about them. And youÕll take pride in knowing you
are contributing to the preservation of these marvelous
examples of bygone craftsmanship.

More Information:

Phone/Fax: (417) 886-8839

Email: jbeeman.mbsi@att.net

4 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

By Clay Witt

MBSI President

Our 70th MBSI annual meeting will
be getting underway in a suburb of
our nationÕs capital about the time
you receive this edition of Mechanical
Music. It should be a great experience.
I know our National Capital Chapter
has put a great deal of effort into
making it a success. It will also mark
the end of my term as your president,
so this is my last PresidentÕs Message.
It has been an honor to serve in that
capacity. Tom Kuehn has been nominated
to succeed me. I could not leave
the office in more capable hands.

I told you about a new mechanical
music book, ÒMusical Boxes from
Prague and ViennaÓ by Dr. Helmut
Kowar, in my last message. At that
time, the book was available from the
website of the publisher, the Austrian
Academy of Sciences Press, which can
be a little challenging to use. However,
the book is now also available from
Amazon.com.

Things are undergoing change for
our members living in Japan. Due
to some unfortunate circumstances
it was necessary for our board of
trustees to dissolve the Japanese
International Chapter in June. There
are loyal members who are working to

establish a new chapter in Japan, however,
and I am sure our next president
will keep you apprised of progress in
bringing that to fruition. As I write this
in July, Tom Kuehn plans to visit some
of those members in Japan in October
to see what MBSI can do to help make
that happen.

There was recently another
important milestone in the history of
mechanical music. Richard Reutlinger,
who was an MBSI member and I am
told was the last surviving AMICA
founder, passed away in late June. I
would like to extend my condolences
and those of MBSI to his family and
friends and to AMICA members.

As you may know from previous
PresidentÕs Messages, we aim to
be transparent in conducting MBSI
business and part of that is letting you
know about actions our Executive
Committee (EC) have taken. Under
our bylaws, the chairs and members
of most of our committees serve one-
year terms running from one annual
meeting to the next. Most nominations
are subject to the approval of our EC.
When this issue is published, that
process should have been completed.
The updated committee listing will
appear either in the back of this issue
or the next one, depending on publication
deadlines. There are a very few

committee positions that are based on
appointments by our board of trustees.
Those appointments will be made
at the trustees meeting that occurs
during the upcoming annual meeting
and those changes will appear in the
listings in the November/December
issue of Mechanical Music. Our committee
chairs and members work hard
to keep our organization running and
I would like to extend my thanks to
each and every one of them.

Again, I would like to thank you
for the opportunity to serve as your
president. I will still be around and
involved in MBSI, just at a bit more
relaxed pace while retreating happily
into the background.

A Lasting Legacy

Throughout its history, MBSI has fostered an interest in and preservation of
automatic musical instruments. Your gift to the Endowment Fund will
support programs that will help future generations appreciate these
achievements of manÕs creative genius. Visit www.mbsi.org to learn more.

In order for anything
once alive to have
meaning, its effect
must remain alive in
eternity in some way

Ð Ernest Becker, Philosopher
The Musical Box Society International
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
All donations to the Endowment
Fund are tax deductible.
A gift of any size is welcome.

Have a suggestion?

Send it in via email to editor@mbsi.org or drop us a note to the MBSI Editorial Offices at 130 Coral Court, Pismo Beach, CA 93449.

MBSI MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
EACH ONE/REACH ONE NEW MEMBER

MBSI is always interested in increasing its membership and is pleased to offer new members a $15
discount off their rst year’s membership. You are considered a new member if you have not been a
member in the past three years. This discount is also available on our website, www.mbsi.org.

Current MBSI members who sponsor a new member will receive a $5 discount off their next year’s
MBSI membership renewal for each sponsorship. Attach a copy of the discount voucher below to a
copy of the membership application form on Page 4 of this issue of Mechanical Music. Place your
name as ÒsponsorÓ on the application form.

Please make copies of these forms as needed and send the completed forms with checks to the MBSI
administrator at the address listed below.

.
.
..
¨.
(INTERNATIONAL)
ORGANIZED IN 1949
DEVOTED TO ALL MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
.
.
..
¨.
(INTERNATIONAL)
ORGANIZED IN 1949
DEVOTED TO ALL MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Musical Box Society International
P.O. Box 10196
Springfield, MO 65808-0196
Phone/Fax: (417) 886-8839
Musical Box Society International
P.O. Box 10196
Springfield, MO 65808-0196
Phone/Fax: (417) 886-8839
Dues Voucher Ð$15
New U.S. members may join MBSI for one year at $45 (instead
of $60); Canadians $55 (instead of $70; and, other International
members at $60 (instead of $75). This certicate must accom-
pany payment and a copy of the completed membership
application from page 4 of this issue of Mechanical Music.
New Member Name(s):
Authorized by MBSI Administrator
NEW MEMBER
GIFT CERTIFICATE
New members are those who have never been members of MBSI
or those who have not been members for three years prior to
submission of this voucher.
New members are those who have never
been members of MBSI or those who have
not been members for three years prior to
submission of this certicate.

Gift Membership Name

Address, City, State, ZIP
Phone Email
Sponsor

SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase one or more rst-year MBSI gift
memberships at $45 each U.S., $55 Canadian, or $60 other International
and you will receive $5 off your next year’s MBSI membership
renewal for each “New Member” gift.

Please mail this form together with your check made payable to ÒMBSIÓ to the MBSI Administrator at the address listed
above. Memberships are $45 for U.S. residents, $55 for Canadian residents, and $60 for other International residents.

EditorÕs Notes MAILING ADDRESS
MBSI Editorial/Advertising
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
EMAIL ADDRESS
editor@mbsi.org
PHONE
(253) 228-1634
EditorÕs Notes MAILING ADDRESS
MBSI Editorial/Advertising
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
EMAIL ADDRESS
editor@mbsi.org
PHONE
(253) 228-1634
By Russell Kasselman

MBSI Editor/Publisher

School is back in session and the
last lingering warm days of summer
are almost behind us as we head into
the crisp mornings and evenings of
Fall. Halloween decorations will soon
be making their way onto the lawns
and porches of our neighborhoods and
soon trick-or-treaters will be treading
the streets seeking sweets. Perhaps
when you open your door to hand out
the candies, you might also consider
placing one of your mechanical music
instruments playing your favorite
music near the door to intrigue and
entertain them as they trip merrily
along their route.

Holiday parties are next and many
chapters are already planning their
annual get-togethers. DonÕt forget to
send in your items to be printed in
the calendar of events section of this
journal and also on the MBSI website.
Advertising these events are free, and
itÕs the perfect time to invite a friend
along to listen to wonderful Christmas
music on a variety of mechanical
music instruments.

This issue of Mechanical Music features
a great mix of content for your
enjoyment. Matt Jaro leads us off with
a visit to a true maker of things, Wagner
Mello. Using provided plans and
also plans he drew himself, Wagner

has constructed several crank organs
over the years and it seems like he has
no plans to stop anytime soon. I find it
refreshing and inspiring to see such a
creative mind in full swing.

Stories of mechanical music hunting
continue to reach my inbox and IÕm
happy to share two such articles this
issue. First is Terry SmytheÕs story of
following the smallest sliver of a tip he
got about a Cremona G and … youÕll
just have to read the article on Page 17
if you want to find out what happened.

Then Craig Smith channels Paul
Harvey to bring us ÒThe Rest of the
StoryÓ about a hunt he went on to find
the ÒJelloÓ music box that was the
subject of a ÒThe HuntÓ column by Al
Zamba in our May/June 2019 edition.
The situation described by Craig
certainly kept me on pins and needles.
IÕm sure you will enjoy it also.

Harold Wade then gives us a tour
of his recently-finished Orpheus 181/4inch
upright disc box. Many hands
had a part in creating the final version
of the almost 120-year-old instrument
and itÕs a joy to see the final result so
beautifully presented.

Tom Kuehn, our newly-elected
society president, follows next with
his tour of England with a visit to the
Musical Box Society of Great BritainÕs
Spring Meeting and a tour of many
of that countryÕs sights and sounds.
If youÕre not careful, you might find

yourself planning a trip across the
pond to see it all in person.

Chapter reports from the Mid-America,
National Capital, Northwest
International and Southern California
chapters round out the issue. Please
be sure to thank the reporters and photographers
who take extra time out of
their world to compile the reports and
get them submitted for publication.
They help keep everyone in the loop
and often inspire people who have not
attended a chapter meeting before to
try one just so they can participate in
all the fun.

Lastly, I would like to encourage
anyone who has not yet submitted an
article for the journal to take the leap
and jot down your thoughts right now.
I urge you to talk with people from
your chapter who have had an article
published and ask them about the
experience. I promise, itÕs not painful.
Our society covers a wide variety of
topics, from phonographs, to automata,
to reproducing pianos, to organs
large and small, to disc and cylinder
boxes and more. Write about what you
like and you might find sharing is more
enjoyable than you thought possible.

Welcome new members!
June 2019
Walter & Mary OÕNeill
Basking Ridge, NJ
Sponsor: William Wineburgh
Robert Thomas
Hayward, CA
Sponsor: Bob Caletti
Eric McCann & Christopher Sellers
North Troy, VT
Sponsor: Glen Gurwit gift/sp
Chris & Michelle Roth
Thousand Oaks, CA
Sponsor: Frank Nix
Pat & Don Butler
Saline, MI
Sponsor: Harold Wade
July 2019
Beverly Chatfield
Lombard, IL
Sponsor: B. K. (Bear) Schultz gift/sp
Jerry Hone & Joyce Henriksen
The Villages, FL

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 7

Wagner MelloÕs John Smith Universal 26-note organ

8 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

Nickel Notes

By Matthew Jaro

In previous editions of Nickel
Notes we have visited restorers and
collectors. This time we visit an
extraordinary craftsman who built all
of his instruments either from plans
or from scratch with a precision that
is nothing short of amazing. He even
made many of his own machine tools
for building the instruments. I am
speaking about Wagner Mello who
lives with his wife Rosanete or ÒNeteÓ
and grown-up children in suburban
Northern Virginia, near Washington,
D.C.

Beginnings

As usual, I began by asking Wagner
where he was born and how he got
started in mechanical music. He said,
ÒI was born in Brazil sometime in the
last century.Ó WagnerÕs parents were
very fond of the composer Richard
Wagner, hence his name. Wagner and
his family moved to the U.S. in 1999

Wagner Mello

transferring with his company. Wagner
still works for the same company
providing engineering services, products
and professional consulting for
the wireless communication industry.
We had a great talk about computer
programming (especially as it used to
be in the good old days).

Wagner got started in mechanical
music via woodworking. He made
small furniture items, like small tables
or desks. Next, he got interested in
clocks because he felt that would add
an element of motion to his creations.
From clocks, Wagner said it was only
a logical step to start building organs.
When he was young, Wagner said he
saw barrel organs in Brazil. He looked
for a long time in order to find plans
to build his first organ. He had no
idea how the mechanisms worked.
He finally got a set of plans from John
Smith (www.johnsmithbusker.co.uk).
The plans were designed to be made
by people with limited experience
and hardware store parts, but, of
course, Wagner went beyond that. The
range of materials that can be used
in construction is wide, from balsa
wood which can be cut with a knife to
hard woods which require saws. John
Smith suggested using PVC pipe for
the spools, but Wagner made his out of
wood. Wagner built the 20-note busker
organ in 2006. It took him six months
to build it.

John Smith Universal 26-Note
Organ and Other Projects

Even though Wagner had plans for
these organs, he took the time to draw
all of the plans and details again using
a Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
system, so he would be sure to know

A closeup to show WagnerÕs expert
inlay work on the John Smith Universal
26-note organ.

exactly how each element worked.
This was especially true for the small
parts or assemblies. He wanted to
design first, and then cut. Brass
ornaments were cut using a numerically-
controlled milling machine.
The 26-note organ was built in 2007.
Wagner added a rank of bells to the
organ. Also in 2007, Wagner built a
roll perforator for making rolls for the
busker organs. The perforator is controlled
by numerical control software
on a personal computer. A particular
problem was keeping the dies sharp
so the holes punched cleanly. After
the organ was completed, Wagner
converted a Cunningham Player Piano
to be controlled by MIDI. This was in
2008.

Next Wagner made a MIDI-controlled
accordion with 64 notes in 2009.
This was a very complex undertaking.
He included a pressure gauge in order
to be able to adjust the air pressure
properly. His current projects include
a numerically-controlled router and
an indexer which can turn a chuck a
precise number of degrees at a time
for making precision gears.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 9

WagnerÕs MIDI-controlled Crank Melodica with etched glass and inlaid musical notes on either end of the keyboard.

Crank Melodica (37 notes)

The Crank Melodica was made
without plans in 2010. Wagner had to
calculate the area of the small bellows
(called air motors) carefully to provide
enough power to lift the melodica
keys with the pressure that would be
used. The same pressure that actuates
the valves mechanically also plays
the reeds. The pressure cannot be too
great or the reeds will be out of tune.
For those that donÕt know, a melodica
is a wind instrument with a small keyboard
controlling a row of reeds and
a mouthpiece at one end. A standard
melodica is pictured. Even apparently
simple things like the engraving of the
ÒG clefÓ in the glass presented many
challenges. First, Wagner tried to
acid-etch the glass, with a technique
similar to silk-screening, but this was
a mess and after spending a lot of time

The plans for the Crank Melodica as drawn by Wagner.

10 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

A closeup of the Crank Melodica mechanism showing the bellows that produce pressure to lift keys and play the reeds.

WagnerÕs demo organ was built to let the viewer see exactly what is happening inside the mechanism each time a roll is played.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 11

and money, he had to abandon this
line. He said the acid was nasty and
didnÕt work. Finally, he cut a stencil,
and blasted the glass with sand.

After Wagner made the two organs,
he wanted to demonstrate them and
he found out about the National Capital
ChapterÕs yearly visit to the C&O
canal to hold a crank organ rally. He
then read more about MBSI on the
website and decided to get involved.

In talking about his machines, Wagner
said he isnÕt really a collector, but
more of a builder. In WagnerÕs opinion,
Dick Hack has the most beautiful
machine ever built, the Hupfeld Phonoliszt
Violana.

The Demo Organ

In 2011 Wagner decided to construct
a demonstration organ made
out of clear acrylic so viewers could
see what happens internally when an
organ plays. It is roll operated and
has 20 notes. It is truly a wonderful
machine and the pictures donÕt do it
justice. If you search for FlpBusker on
youtube.com, you can hear the demo
organ in action as well as the other
instruments mentioned here.

MIDI-Controlled Harpsichord

Wagner bought a standard Ammer
harpsichord made in Germany and
added a rank of solenoids to actuate
the harpsichord jacks. Again, the precision
is amazing. He added a control
unit that allows one to select and play
musical pieces. The harpsichord can
also be played manually with no interference.
This project was complete in
2012.

More photos

Two more pages of photos showing
other projects and WagnerÕs workshop
can be seen on Pages 14-15 of this
issue.

Email Matt Jaro at mjaro@verizon.
net if you would like any information
about style ÒAÓ, ÒGÓ, Ò4XÓ, ÒHÓ or ÒOÓ rolls.
Also, comments and suggestions for this
column will be appreciated.

Reprinted with permission of the
author and The Automatic Musical
Instrument CollectorsÕ Association
(AMICA). Originally printed in the July/
August 2013 issue of The AMICA Bulletin.

A shot of the demo organ showing the roll mechanism and bellows.

A roll winds its way through the demo organ while the clear acrylic reeds stand
ready to play their assigned notes.

12 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

A view of the demo organ from behind the roll mechanism, showing the drive mechanism that takes up the roll as the tune plays.

Smartphone users can scan the QR codes below to see more photos on the internet.
http://bit.ly/busker20 http://bit.ly/busker26 http://bit.ly/rollperforator http://bit.ly/midi-piano http://bit.ly/demo-organ
http://bit.ly/ammer-harpsichord http://bit.ly/mello-melodica http://bit.ly/mello-accordion http://tinyurl.com/kc2rug5
September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 13

A MIDI-controlled accordion that Wagner finished in 2009.

A 20-note busker organ built by Wagner.

WagnerÕs Ammer harpsichord that he converted to MIDI.

The computer-controlled roll perforator Wagner constructed.

A closeup of the control unit for the harpsichord.

WagnerÕs tools are meticulously organized. The workshop where Wagner works his magic.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 15

Book Review: Musical Boxes from
Prague and Vienna, by Helmut Kowar

Printed by: Austrian Academy of Science Press. ISBN 978-3-7001-8432-4

By Mark Singleton

Musical Boxes
from Prague and
Vienna by Helmut
Kowar is the result
of a dedicated and
fastidious lifetime
study carried out
by one man, covering
a subject that
many of us know
little about. This book brings forth a
wealth of interesting, and well-documented,
information in one definitive
scholarly masterwork.

HelmutÕs book demonstrates
quite clearly that whilst Swiss manufacturers
dominated the Western
musical box market in the late 1800s,
the musical box makers of Prague and
Vienna were equally active during the
same period and dominating the Austro-
Hungarian market. Not only were
these makers building instruments of
their own unique designs, they were
also delivering a consistently high
quality of both musical arrangements
and tonal quality. This led to the pieces
holding a special appeal for collectors.

The chapter on musical arrangements
is, I believe, a first and you
donÕt have to be a musician to get
the gist from the text. It answers a
few questions, helping us understand
and appreciate a little more about this
previously undocumented aspect of
the industry.

All is covered within the bookÕs
pages, from the basics of musical
box history, to the stories of the
makers themselves, and right through
to design and development, culminating
in an extensive catalogue of
examples examined by the author.

The text is complemented by no
less than 80 full-color, high-definition
images. The quality of this book is no
accident. ItÕs the result of intelligent
effort, a superior publication that

delivers 30 years of hard-earned
knowledge to your fingertips with
ease. It should appeal to all levels of
collectors and scholars alike. In my
opinion, it should be considered an
asset to your reference library.

I personally asked the author,
Helmut Kowar, what first stimulated
his interest in musical boxes. He
said, basically, that during the course
of research for his musicological
dissertation in 1976, he commenced
investigations into the history of the
early pianos held within the collection
of the Viennese Technical Museum.

Next to the pianos and other
instruments within the permanent
exhibition of this museum, a small
collection of mechanical instruments
(musical boxes, flute clocks, a orchestrion,
a polyphon, a violina, a Welte
vorsetzer etc.) were on display. This
special collection attracted his attention
for the very reason that these

The above illustration from Helmut KowarÕs book shows a fine three revolution over-
ture box, with a cylinder measuring 34.7 cm x 9.5cm, sporting a comb with no less
than 266 teeth. On par with the finest Swiss examples from the period.

instruments were virtually neglected
in musicological literature and their
music Ð with the exception of the original
compositions by HŠndel, Mozart,
Haydn etc. Ð was seemingly not worth
mentioning. Several years later when
he became a staff member at the
Phonogrammarchiv of the Austrian
Academy of Sciences he was offered
the opportunity to conceptualize this
innovative research project into these
instruments.

His suggestion to develop a project
devoted to mechanical musical instruments
was accepted and in 1980 he
began to document musical boxes/
automata in Viennese collections as
a basis for further research into the
music and of course, the history of
these instruments.

John Ruskin once wrote, ÒBooks
are divided into two categories: books
for now and books forever!Ó I feel this
book belongs in the latter.

16 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

The Hunt
Column Graphic by Mary Clegg
Story and Photo By Terry Smythe
The Hunt
Column Graphic by Mary Clegg
Story and Photo By Terry Smythe
In about 1965, I attended a party at
a friendÕs home and he had a working
player piano. (Remember, in the late
1960s many, many player pianos were
still working.) I had so much fun that
evening, that I resolved to find a player
piano of my own.

I started by placing a small ÒWantedÓ
ad in a couple of rural papers, and got
a reply from someone about 50 miles
west of Winnipeg, Ontario. Turned
out this fellow (now deceased) had
a number of player pianos, most no
longer working. From him I bought a
nice upright New Scale Williams in a
fine Louis XV semi-art case. He even
kindly offered to deliver it.

Before it was delivered, I heard
about a fellow in another town about
70 miles east of Winnipeg. He was
alleged to have ÒÉa whole bunch of
player pianos, and one even has a
violin in itÉÓ So, I drove out to Lac
Du Bonnet, asked the local store
owner for the name and location of
somebody in town who had a bunch
a player pianos. He responded, ÒThat
would be Rolly. He lives right over
there!Ó The storekeeper pointed to a
house a couple doors down the other
side of the street.

Rolly was home and I spent a
delightful day with him, playing his
1930 Mason & Risch Duo-Art grand,
his Violano, his Seeburg KT and his
Cremona Style 3. That evening, I
walked away with a receipt in my
pocket for his Duo-Art grand.

Within a couple of days of one
another, both the New Scale Williams
upright and the Mason & Risch Duo-
Art grand were delivered. Little did I

The inside of the authorÕs Cremona G after he finished the restoration.

know at the time, but at that moment, repeated visits to Rolly (also now
I became a collector. deceased), I eventually acquired all
Over the next couple of years, after his instruments, thus becoming a

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 17

bona-fide collector.

In 1971, seeking help with final restoration
of a Cremona nickelodeon, I
learned about both MBSI and AMICA
(the Automatic Musical Instrument
CollectorsÕ Association) from an entry
in the periodicals index within my
local library. The contact was Ginny
Billings in the San Francisco, CA,
area. She encouraged me to join both
organizations, which I did.

In about 1975, I advertised a rocking
chair for sale. Among the people who
responded was a local television journalist.
He looked at my rocking chair,
but did not buy it. As he was leaving,
however, he passed through my living
room and spotted my Cremona Style
3 and asked for a closer look. He said
he had seen something like it about 10
years earlier in Piney, Manitoba, about
80 miles east of Winnipeg, and gave
what little he recalled about his visit
with an old recluse in the area.

About a week later, I drove to Piney
in mid-Winter, found this fellow and
he invited me into his home. I told
him I was looking for a old piano.
ÒWould you like to see it?Ó he replied.
Of course! ÒGive me a few minutes to
dig a path out to the shedÓ. In his backyard
he had a number of old 1940s
rural portable Post Offices, on skids.
In each was an astonishing collection
of cast-off equipment and appliances,
which today we might take to a local
recycling outfit.

In one of these sheds, he had a
Cremona coin piano, a big one! The
floor of the shed had long since given
way and the bottom of the piano was
frozen in mud. We struck a deal and a
week later, I drove back in a borrowed
pickup truck. It was an interesting
adventure prying it out of the frozen
ground and then maneuvering it out of
the shed. But eventually we got it out
and into the truck, laying it on its back
across the truck bed. I took it home
and unloaded it into my garage

There it sat for couple months, while
I sleuthed out what it was. Turns out,
it was a Cremona Style G. I started my
restoration efforts by tipping it on its
back and building a new bottom panel.
Then, I started on the player mechanism.
Yet another Cremona valve
system to deal with! All CremonaÕs

The exterior of the Cremona G after restoration by the author.

have a unique valve design and they
can be quite difficult to restore. But,
eventually, over a period of about a
year I got it fully operational.

The G was missing its external
carriage lamps and the motor, but it
was otherwise complete. For a while
I used a substitute motor until one
day a young fellow appeared at my
door with the original motor in hand.
It seems that the motor had been put
to good use driving a grind stone. The
original owner of the G remembered
me and eventually arranged to get the
motor into my hands.

The carriage lamps were simply
unavailable anywhere, but an ad
in the AMICA Bulletin turned up a
collector who had a similar problem
with another nickelodeon using the
same lamps. He had arranged to have
replicas made and still had a spare set.
I acquired them and now my G was
complete.

Several times during the next
couple of years, my Cremona G, and
other items out of my collection, were
displayed at local annual classic car
shows. It was good exposure for the
hobby to be sure.

I no longer have the machine, since
as so often happens with collectors at
an early age, somebody made me an
offer I could not refuse. It went to a collector
in California, who I later learned
passed it on to yet another collector.
I have no idea where it is now. What I
find so interesting in this whole story
is the fact that a TV journalist told me
about a 10-year old lead on an automatic
piano with only a vague location
and I still managed to find it, buy it and
bring it back to life. In 20-20 hindsight,
I think it is even more remarkable that
after 10 years, the instrument he mentioned
was still in the same shed. ThatÕs
why I say itÕs never too late to follow-up
on a lead!

18 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

The rest of the story…

A follow up on Alvin ZambaÕs JELLO music box

By Craig Smith

I really miss Marty Roenigk. He was
once one of the largest mechanical
music dealers in the country. When
Marty passed on, Elise took over their
antiques business (Mechantiques.
com) and also continues to run the
two hotels they bought in Arkansas
after they moved there from Connecticut,
which is where I first met these
two great folks.

Every year or two IÕd get a phone
call from Marty about a music box he
found in Western New York (where I
live). Sometimes it was about a music
box he thought I might like, but, more
often, it was about something he had
bought or was thinking of buying.
Each time it was the beginning of an
adventure.

You see, there are some inherent
problems in buying something over
the phone. First, there is the uncertainty
of depending on a description
from someone who is not familiar
with music boxes. Second, there is the
difficulty of getting the money to the
seller.

But there is a third problem! When
you offer a tidy sum of cash for a
music box, the seller can sometimes
have second thoughts about either
selling the box at all or thinking that
he might get a better price if he shops
around a little.

So, IÕd get a call from Marty like, ÒI
just bought a box from a lady in Rochester.
Could you please pick it up and
pay her before she changes her mind.Ó

So, off to the bank IÕd go to get cash,
and then to the ladyÕs house to pick up
the music box. Often it was a Regina
music box or some odd organette.

But once, it was something really
special Ð and this is the rest of the
story mentioned a couple months ago
by Al Zamba in his column ÒThe Hunt.Ó

It was a Wednesday when I got a
call from Marty about a huge Mermod
music box that was in an estate sale on

The Hunt
Column Graphic by Mary Clegg
Story and Photo By Al Zamba
The ÒJelloÓ Box

I have been a collector
and member of the Musical
Box Society International
for many years. I consider it
rare to find, or see, in most
collections, a musical box
that can be traced to its
original owners. Therefore
I present the case of a rare
24.-inch interchangeable
cylinder box with a matching
table made by Mermod
Freres.

This box was purchased
several years ago from the
John and Jessie Woodward
home in Rochester, NY.
John was the grandson
of Orater Woodward, the
founder of Genesse Pure
Food Co. in LeRoy, NY,
who built the Jello empire.
Orater bought the rights
to Jello from Pearl Wait in
1899 for $450. In 1923, sales
were so good the company
name was changed to the Jello Corporation.
By 1925, Orater and his wife,
Cora, were deceased and the new
generation was running the business.
At that time, they decided to sell the
business to Postum Cereal for $67 million.
Postum became General Foods
and later merged with Kraft.

In 2005, John WoodwardÕs wife,
Jessie, sold the box from her estate
sale at her home in Rochester, NY. It is
carved mahogany with five cylinders,
some of which play patriotic airs.

Knowing the story of this box is one
of the many reasons we love this box
and itÕs why we affectionately call it

ÒThe Jello Box.Ó

Sources:

¥ Jell-O, A Biography by Carolyn Wyman
¥ Jell-O Girls, A Family History by Allie
Rowbottom
Acknowledgments:

¥ Martin Roenigk
¥ Craig Smith
38 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2019

Al ZambaÕs original column about the ÒJelloÓ box in the May/June 2019 issue of
Mechanical Music (Vol. 65, No. 3, Page 38).

Friday. Could I please go to this house and a matching table. Also, he learned
on Barrington Street and see if they that it was the largest box Mermod
would let me look at it for him. ÒNot a made, thus making it quite rare.
problem,Ó I told him. So, I made a few We talked again and Marty told me
phone calls to the estate sale manager. to buy it.
Marty called too but he got the same The next day I drove by the address
answer Ð ÒNot a chance!Ó He did find to make sure I knew where it was.
out that the box had several cylinders There were several people on the front

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 19

The house on Barrington Street where the estate sale was held, and the home next door with the seven-car garage.

lawn. I stopped and asked about the
sale and one guy mentioned that they
were handing out numbers already.
Usually, they hand out numbers in
the early morning of the sale, not the
day before. But Barrington Street is in
the upscale neighborhood near East
Avenue so the word was out that there
were treasures in that house.

So I got my number Ð 30.

I went home and called Marty and
told him what happened. He told me
to go to the sale early and see if I could
buy a lower number from someone.
ÒOK,Ó I said. ÒIÕll see what I can do.Ó

Next I asked him how much he was
willing to pay for this lovely, rare music
box. I was surprised at his answer.

ÒI donÕt care. Just buy it.Ó I was
speechless! IÕve bought some expensive
music boxes but the phrase ÒI
donÕt careÓ isnÕt in my vocabulary
when it comes to prices.

Well, the next morning, off I went to
the sale an hour early.

I milled around with the rest of the
crowd (about 100 people) and found a
seat on the front steps next to a lady
who appeared to be in her 60s. While
chatting her up, I noticed her number.
It was a seven. Turns out she lived
next door in a three-story mansion
with a seven-car garage and servantÕs
quarters above.

I considered offering her $100 for
her number but decided that sheÕd just
laugh in my face Ð so I decided to take
my chances and keep with my original
number of 30.

They started calling numbers at 10

a.m. as promised, and I was right by
the door. I was inside the front door
within 45 seconds.
The music box was directly across
the central hall, maybe 25 feet from
the entrance. The SOLD tag was still
swinging from its string on the key
to the drawer and the sales person
confirmed that the box had already
been sold.

I looked inside and it was huge Ð a
24-inch cylinder. As I admired it, I
asked the sales person who bought it.
He told me the name of a local antique
dealer but I didnÕt recognize the name.
So I asked what the guy looked like.

I went up and down the stairs several
times, looking in every room trying to
find him, but no luck. After about half
an hour I gave up and headed for the
exit, through the kitchen where the
checkout table was.

And there he was, standing in the
line ready to pay for the music box.

I asked him if he was the person
who bought the music box. ÒYes,Ó he
said, ÒIÕm going to an antique show in
Philadelphia and IÕm going to use it as

an attraction in my booth and then sell
it at the end of the sale.Ó

I asked him if heÕd sell it to me
instead. He thought a minute and then
allowed as how heÕd be willing to sell
it if he could make a couple thousand
dollars on it.

So, I gave him $2,000 and he gave
me the sales tag, which I took to the
checkout lady so I could pay for the
music box. I think it was the most
expensive item in the sale.

Since I couldnÕt carry the huge box
by myself, I took the drawer and all
the cylinders home and arranged for
a friend to help me retrieve the box
and table. When I got home, Marty
had called my wife three times for an
update. My friend and I went back to
the house on Barrington Street and
loaded the music box into my van,
drove it home and carried it upstairs
to the music room so I cold take pictures
and send them to Marty. I think
he sold it to Al that night.

As was the custom with Marty, a
courier showed up at my door the next
morning with an envelop containing
the purchase price, the tax, the extra
$2,000 and a generous bonus for my
time.

That was a great music box and itÕs
been an even greater story all these
years.

20 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

An
Orpheus
for the ages

By Harold Wade

In November 2015, I was
fortunate enough to acquire at
auction an Orpheus 181/4-inch
Upright Disc Music Box that
was manufactured in 1897-1899
by The Orpheus Music Works,
Ludwig & Co. in Neuschonefeld
near Leipzig, Germany. The
auction was held by Stanton
Auctioneers in Charlotte, MI.
My music box came with seven
bead-blasted clean discs in rough
condition. I couldnÕt be at the
auction in person, so I asked
fellow MBSI member Alvin
Zamba to bring it back for me.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 21

The new motor cover features glass panels so the listener can see the gears turning to play the disc.

He weathered a bad snow storm in
lower Michigan and western Ohio, but
managed to arrive safely at my home
to deliver my box before continuing
on to his home in Pennsylvania. Just
this year, a professional restoration of
my Orpheus was completed and now I
feel it is time for me to share the story
of my music box.

The music box case is walnut and
includes both a base and a gallery.
I believe the base is a reproduction
(very good craftsmanship) as is the
gallery which features six large finials
and several smaller finials both
in front and on the side. The front
door has had some major surgery,
but both side panels and the back
panel are original. The top panel is a
replacement. When I got the box, it
was missing the crest around the sides
and front. The walnut motor cover

was a poor replacement, as it had no
glass in the front or top, which I think
it should have had. The coin drawer
is located under the music box and I
could not tell if it was original or not.
The key lock, however, was surely
original. The front door glass was new
and did not have etching or painting,
which I believe it should have had. I
discovered also that there was a cutout
on the back panel for a large metal
wall hanger so I knew the music box
had been originally designed for wall
hanging as well as sitting on a base.
There was a small piece of cardboard
in the drawer of the base cabinet
that said only three or four of these
machines are known to the world. It is
indeed a rare disc music box. I believe
I heard that Coulson Conn had one he
bought from John Martin and Norman
Bauer in Palm Harbor, FL, and I think

there is also one in a museum in Japan.
Possibly there is another Orpheus
181/4-inch disc music box is in Europe,
but I havenÕt located it yet.

In December 2015 Dwight Porter
and Jim Sault were in Pittsburgh, PA,
for delivery of music boxes bound for
the Bayernhof Museum and pickup of
boxes from Alvin Zamba and myself.
Dwight took my music box back to
Randolph, VT, to begin the restoration.
He took with him the seven discs that
came with the machine. I was hoping
the tunes could be identified by listening
to the discs since all traces of any
printing on the metal were gone.

In March 2016, Dwight (who owns
the Porter Music Box Company)
made a DVD of the seven discs playing.
Unfortunately for me, the discs
played poorly. He sent the DVD and
seven blank discs to Lester Jones at

22 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

The restored motor with heavy-duty spring measuring 0.42-inches thick.

Renaissance Disc in England in May
2016 so new discs could be made. I
had also ordered eight new discs from
LesterÕs list (2000 style disc) for the
Orpheus 181/4-inch disc music box.

The titles of the discs are listed
below.

#2226 Ð After the Ball by Charles
Harris

#2227 Ð Roses from the South, Waltz
by Johann Strauss, Jr.
#2231 Ð Wine, Women and Song,

Waltz by Johann Strauss, Jr.
#2235 Ð Waves of the Danube, Waltz
by Iosif Ivanovici

#2244 Ð The Blue Danube, Waltz by
Johann Strauss, Jr.
#2315 Ð Poetry of Flowers by Fran

ces Osgood
#22xx Ð Radetsky March by Johann
Strauss Jr.

#22xx Ð Verlassen, Verlassen by
Thomas Koschat

Using my own copy of the DVD,
I made seven separate audio tracks
to see if anyone might recognize the
tunes from the blank discs that came
with the music box. I had no luck in
the U.S. with anyone being able to
identify the tunes. Then, in November
2016, Jochen Schafer from Germany
was able to identify five of the seven
tunes. In April 2017 Jochen identified
disc #3. Only disc #2 remains unidentified.
The tunes Jochen identified are
listed below.

#1 Ð Verlassen, Verlassen (Forsaken,

Forsaken) by Thomas Koschat

#2 Ð Unknown

#3 Ð King Karl March (Konig Karl

Marsch) by Carl Ludwig Unrath

#4 Ð Humorous, Polka (Der Rixdorfer)
by Eugen Philippi

#5 Ð LoveÕs Dream after the Ball
(Liebestraum nach dem Balle)
by Alphons Czibulka

#6 Ð Still the Lake is Resting (Still
ruht der see) by Heinrich Pfeil

#7 Ð Paris Entry March (Pasier
Einzugsmarsch) by Johann
Heinrich Walch

In September 2016 I received my
eight new discs and seven new copies
of the original blank discs from
England. The following month, I sent
them to Dwight at the Porter Music
Box Company.

While waiting for my restoration to
be complete, I searched through the
MBSI archives looking for articles
on Orpheus Music Works music
boxes. I found an article from 2003

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 23

An original sign, written in German, was still installed on the side of the music box.

The coin slot, instructing the listener to insert a 5 Pfenning
coin.

One of the original bead-blasted discs with no markings to
indicate what the tune is or who it was written by.

(Mechanical Music, Spring/Autumn
Vol. 49 No. 1, Page 36) with three pictures
by Coulson Conn and Richard
DiCastri that describes the Orpheus
181/4-inch music box exactly. In the
article, Richard, of Kenosha, WI, who
owned the Orpheus Music Box at the
time, was writing in response to articles
written by Coulson that appeared
in Mechanical Music in 1992 (Vol.
38 No. 1, Pages 21-25) and 1986 (Vol.
32 No. 1, Pages 2-11). These articles
described other Orpheus Music Works
music boxes found around the world.

later found Richard DiCastriÕs
obituary in the Kenosha newspaper
in April 2015. The obituary mentioned
his wife (Margie) and two daughters,
Janis Labedz of Kenosha and Karyn
Glasz of San Francisco, CA. The listed

phone number for Margie and Richard
was no longer in service because
Margie had moved to an assisted
living home but I looked up a number
for her daughter Janise who answered
my phone call. She was well aware of
the music box that her dad had owned
and said he was a very active MBSI
member. She said that he had repaired
music boxes for other people and he
had attended the Stanton Auction in
Charlotte, MI, several times when they
lived in Novi, MI, and Toledo, OH. I
was glad to have made the connection
and it is now a nice addition to the
story of my music box.

Continuing to search the MBSI
archives, I found an article in the
September/October 2015 issue
(Mechanical Music, Vol. 61 No. 5,

Pages 13-15) by Robin Biggins on a
Brandenburger, Berlin, 181/4-inch disc
music box. The article states that
the musical movement was built by
Orpheus Music Works as the bedplate
is an exact copy of the Orpheus bed-
plate casting except for the name at
the top. The music box case for the
Brandenburger box was made by Louis
Herman Ludwig of Leipzig, Germany. I
could immediately see that there were
a couple of differences from my box.
The crank on the Brandenburger is
a right side wind and it has a one or
two play mechanical lever that is not
installed on my Orpheus music box
timing wheel. The tuning scales of the
upper and lower combs on both music
boxes are, however, the same. The
drive motor, governor and coin lever

24 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

Above: The restored combs on the sparkling bedplate. Top
right: Note the three-comb configuration with two on the left
and one on the right. Even numbered star wheels play the
left-hand comb while odd numbered star wheels play the
right-hand comb.

are also identical. The motor top plate has a round hole in
the Orpheus and the Brandenburg, Berlin holes are square.
Discs are also exactly the same (88 notes) with square
drive holes with folded edges that reinforce the drive holes.
He states that the disc numbers are 23XX so I suspect
that the disc numbers between the Brandenburger, Berlin
and Orpheus music box are the same. I havenÕt found an
Orpheus original disc listing anywhere, yet. I believe that
the Brandenburger, Berlin machine is currently located in
Australia.

Now, back to the restoration. Porter Music Box Company
started work on the box in the middle of December 2016.
The star wheels were badly worn and the dampers on both
combs were in sorry shape. New star wheels and dampers
were installed. The motor, governor and coin bucket were
complete but in need of cleaning. The motor is small in
physical size with four posts, one in each corner, and a top
wind on the left hand side. The main spring is heavy duty at
.042-inches thick. This machine plays with a 5 Pfennig coin.
An original German sign is on right hand side of the music
box case above the coin slot. There are three combs with
this music box. The right hand (upper comb) is 44 notes and

The bedplate casting matches the shape of a bedplate in a
box called the Brandenburger Berlin music box, but this bed-
plate has Orpheus stamped in it with musical notes on either
side of the name.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 25

New glass for the front door of the music box features an etching made to match the original style. The etching was done by
Maria Bronson.

26 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

the left hand (lower comb) is 44 notes.
The third comb is a 26-note smaller
scale thin comb mounted above
the main left-hand comb with two
thumb screws. It resonates with the
main combs teeth tuned to an octave
higher. The threaded holes used to
secure the combs were badly stripped
so plugs were made and new screw
holes were drilled and taped. IÕm not
totally sure how, but this third comb
sounds like bells. The star wheels play
alternating comb teeth. Star wheels 2,
4, 6, 8, etc., play the left-hand comb
and star wheels 1, 3, 5, 7, etc., play the
right-hand comb. The restoration was
completed in February 2017.

I took delivery of the finished
Orpheus box in early May 2017 and
found that it played beautifully. I
played all 13 of my discs several times
and this made me very happy. I had
Alvin Zamba take the music box over
to his house to make a correct top
panel and new motor cover including
the glass panels so that I did not have
to be stuck with the piece of plywood
that was there before.

I had taken lots of pictures of the
music box and in the Fall of 2017 I
sent some photos to David Biber, who
lived in Pittsburgh, and was a relative
of Bob Buckler, asking him to design
a Victorian reproduction scene like
the one that can be seen in the David
Bowers Encyclopedia of Automatic
Musical Instruments on Page 247. I
wanted the front glass to be etched to
look as much like the original as possible.
In February 2018 I took the front
door with glass up to Dundee, MI, so
Maria Bronson could etch the design.
At the end of March 2019 I received
the front door glass back with an
absolutely beautiful etched scene that
looks exactly like the picture I saw.

I must thank Dwight, Ron Connelly
and Ben Robbins from Porter Music

With a new disc playing behind the newly-etched glass, the restored Orpheus is a
feast for the eyes and ears.

Box Company for their excellent res-correct glass and new cabinet crown
toration. Also, many thanks to Lester and gallery. Many thanks are also owed
Jones for copying the original discs to Maria Bronson for the absolutely
and the additional new discs. Then, of beautiful front door glass etching that
course, I must thank my friend Alvin adds such an original touch to my
Zamba for the new motor cover with Orpheus disc music box.

WE WANT YOUR STORY!

Every mechanical musical instrument has a tale to tell. Share the history of people
who owned your instrument before you, or the story of its restoration, or just what
makes it an interesting piece. Send stories via email to editor@mbsi.org or
mail your story to Iron Dog Media, 130 Coral Court, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 27

A Springtime visit
to the Garden of England

Tom Kuehn

A major benefit of belonging to a
society such as MBSI is all the wonderful
people one meets that often leads to
other acquaintances and friends who
otherwise we never would have met.
This is a summary of our recent trip to
England to attend the Spring Meeting
of the Musical Box Society of Great
Britain (MBSGB www.mbsgb.org.
uk) and the additional activities that
followed. Michael Clark from Great
Britain had reported his perspective
of the MBSI meeting in Detroit, MI,
last summer in the November/December
2018 issue of Mechanical Music
(Vol. 64, No. 6, Pages 32-57). This is
a similar article but with the opposite
perspective.

MBSGB Vice President Alison Biden
and her husband, Mike, regularly
attend the MBSI annual meetings
so we have become friends over the
years. I mentioned in Detroit that
someday I would like to pay a visit
across the pond as I had never spent
much time in the UK. Alison suggested
that we come to their Spring Meeting
which was to be held in Kent the first
weekend in May. The event was titled
ÒSpring in the Garden of England.Ó
Thus began correspondence and
planning to attend that event. Some
additional visits were added to our
itinerary that will be described later.

My wife, Hongyan, and I arrived in
London the day before the start of
the meeting so we could spend a day
as tourists in the city. We wandered
around Westminster, saw Big Ben, the
Eye and Westminster Cathedral. Several
hours were spent in the Victoria
and Albert Museum, right across the
street from our hotel. We also used the
day to help acclimate to the six-hour
time change and make travel arrangements
to Royal Tunbridge Wells by
train and taxi, about 60 miles south

Above, an exterior shot of Salomons
Estate and at right the business card
logo for the establishment. Below, Tom
and Hongyan in front of the Style 10
Welte philharmonic orchestrion

28 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

of London, the site of the MBSGB
meeting.

The meeting location was the former
estate of Sir David Lionel Salomons,
an accomplished inventor in the late
19th century, who was an early proponent
of automobiles and reportedly
organized the first motor car gathering
in England in 1895. He commissioned
a large Welte philharmonic organ and
Style 10 orchestrion for his home that
was completed just before the outbreak
of the Great War. Miraculously,
the organ has survived nearly intact
despite the checkered history of the
site that is presently under private
ownership and used primarily as an
event center.

The organ is installed at the rear
of a large stage at one end of a hall
termed the Science Theatre as Sir
David is thought to have used it for
demonstrating many of his inventions.
The organ can be played manually
from the console or automatically
using one of two spoolboxes mounted
above the keyboard, one for Welte
Style 10 orchestrion rolls, the other
for Welte philharmonic rolls. A large
library of each type of roll is available,
mostly recuts from originals provided
with the instrument. The original
blower unit is still being used although
the motor has been replaced. The
faade appears to be the one shown
on page 797 of Bowers Encyclopedia
of Automatic Musical Instruments,
second row from the top of the page,
right hand photo.

David OÕConnor, the meeting organizer,
played the instrument using
several orchestrion rolls and a few
philharmonic rolls. Then Richard
Cole sat at the console and demonstrated
the sound of each stop or rank
before playing some tunes from the
keyboard. He had helped promote the
restoration of the organ by holding a
public information event back in 1988.

When asked how the philharmonic
organ and orchestrion are related, he
said the orchestrion rolls essentially
play a subset of the pipes available
for the philharmonic organ because
of the roll scale limitations, plus the
percussion.

The group then enjoyed a three-
course dinner served in the hall

Richard Cole at the console of the SalomonÕs Welte Organ.

followed by after dinner music from
the organ. Most of the 55 attendees
stayed in guest rooms at the Center.
Hongyan and I along with Steve
Greatrex were assigned rooms at a
hotel in town, thought to be better
accommodations, so Steve became
our gracious and able chauffeur for
the next two days.

A short trip to visit Jack HenleyÕs
collections was the main agenda for
the next day. JackÕs family had owned
a large trucking company that had
been sold. His passion for collecting
ranged from Bentley automobiles to
clocks to mechanical musical instruments.
Jack was expecting not only
our group but a much larger group of
car collectors to celebrate the centennial
of Bentley Motors Limited and
family and friends to help celebrate his
80th birthday on successive days so
the house and grounds were carefully
arranged for a large number of guests.

Gracious and able chauffeur Steve
Greatrex with Hongyan and Tom

Our small group served as a prelude
for the larger groups to follow. The
ground floor of the building that normally
housed the car collection, the
motor house, had been converted into
a dining hall with the cars arranged on
the lawn outside.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 29

Some of Jack HenleyÕs collection of Bentley automobiles.

Steve Greatrex and Jack discussing the
dayÕs activities.

The clock collection was superb
and included a wide variety of Vienna
regulator clocks. JackÕs clock curator
was on hand to help explain the unique
features of many of them. A large
glass encased world clock showed the
time at 22 different locations around
the world and greeted visitors in the
entrance to the house.

Mechanical musical instruments
were located at various locations
within the house and also in the loft of
the motor house. Examples included
a room full of musical ceramic cups
and mugs, large cylinder boxes, several
upright and table top disk playing
musical boxes, a very nice sounding
coin operated Chordephon mounted
in a table, an Ampico B piano and a
Fritz Wrede fair organ.

A delicious lunch was served in the
motor house where Jack explained
some of his collecting interests and
answered questions from the visitors.
After lunch the guests thanked Jack
for his hospitality and returned to the
Salomon Center for a reception and
dinner that evening.

The following morning, we made
another short tip from Tunbridge Wells
to the Seymour home. A little more
background on this. In the summer of
2018, Nick and Barbara Seymour and
Peter and Rosemarie Hood visited our
home on their trip around the U.S.
following the AMICA (the Automatic
Musical Instrument CollectorsÕ Association)
meeting in South Dakota.
Thus, it was our turn to pay them a
visit along with the MBSGB members.
The Seymours own a farm implement

An Orchestral Regina and Symphonion Eroica with hall clock in JackÕs collection.

30 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

JackÕs Symphonion table model with art case.

A Polyphon style 6K also in JackÕs collection.

A Libellion music box that can play melodies of any length by
A musical chalet that opens to reveal a decanter set. using cardboard books instead of discs.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 31

The Seymours Bursens street organ.

manufacturing company and are
located in a rural area southeast of
London. A trailer-mounted 68 key
Bursens street organ greeted visitors
outside that is one of the last organs
made by Arthur Bursens.

One end of a large building has
been repurposed to house their organ
collection. We were welcomed with
tea and biscuits and settled into chairs
set up for the organ demonstrations
and concert. Nick played all five
organs on display that included a
small book playing G. Perlee street
organ, a semi-electonic Decap, a Ruth
organ that had been converted from
a barrel to play 33er Ruth books, and
a Dean organ that had begun life as
a Limonaire. The highlight was the
92-key Mortier with the name Broadway
that had been fully restored with
a MIDI system added. Nick mentioned
that he spends evenings in front of
this organ arranging music for it until
he is happy with the performance.
He played a marvelous rendition of
Maurice RavelÕs Bolero that included
all the subtleties expected.

Following the concert, everyone Nick Seymour explaining the history behind each instrument.

32 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

was treated to lunch provided by the
Seymour family. Not only did they
prepare nearly all the food themselves,
but served as waitstaff and cleanup as
well.

I had expressed the desire to ride
a historic steam railway on our trip
and the Bluebell Railway happened
to be a short distance from our hotel
in Tunbridge Wells. It is named after
the wild bluebell flowers that can be
seen along the tracks in the spring.
After lunch we bid farewell to most
of the MBSGB members and our loyal
chauffeur, Steve. Alison Biden then
drove us to East Grinstead, one end
of the Bluebell Railway. We were able
to ride round trip on what had been
an abandoned section of rail built in
the early 1800s that served mainly
rural farm communities that no longer
required rail service. Kevin McElhone
had volunteered on this railway for
several years and had given us tips
and directions for using National Rail
to return to our hotel in Tunbridge
Wells.

The next morning, we were picked
up at our hotel by Peter and Rosemarie
Hood. As mentioned previously,
they had visited our home last summer.
Rosemarie had kept a diary of
their trip from Denver, CO, to New
York. The first portion, including their
visit with us, has been published in
the December 2018 edition of Vox
Humana, the magazine of the Mechanical
Organ OwnersÕ Society (MOOS).
They took us to Jonny LingÕs Grange
museum in Northfolk near Diss as this
was the first open day in 2019 and the
only day in May the museum was open
to the public (www.thegrangemusicalcollection.
com). Jonny is assembling
a wide variety of mechanical musical
instruments in buildings on his farm
and enthusiastically demonstrates
them to visitors. One room contains
instruments found in private residences
such as musical boxes, parlor
organs and player pianos. Another
has those typically used in commercial
establishments or on the street
such as orchestrions, barrel pianos
and small street organs.

The third room houses three Dutch
street organs, a DeCap dance organ
and a Compton theatre organ. The

Center portion of the Mortier organ called Broadway.

The steam engine on our Bluebell Railway train.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 33

Jonny demonstrating an early Loesche orchestrion.

theatre organ was demonstrated by
Tom Horton who explained the basic
function of the organ and played
some tunes typical of those heard in
the days of silent movies. The British
flag was displayed on one side of the
console and the American flag in our
honor on the other. The day was quite
chilly so tea and homemade cake
were served to the visitors. A pink

pig whose mouth opened using a foot
pedal stood near the door to take (eat)
donations. We also met Alan Smith,
the Chairman of MOOS, and discussed
and compared challenges and opportunities
in MOOS and MBSI.

Peter and Rosemarie returned us to
our hotel in Tunbridge Wells and we
thanked them profusely for spending
the entire day with us.

The next morning, we rode the
train to Winchester, the hometown
of Alison and Mike Biden. This was
a Monday Bank Holiday and one of
the few days in the year that a steam
operated water pumping station was
in operation at Twyford Waterworks,
not far from Winchester. Alison took
us to visit this and we were pleasantly
surprised to see that not only was the

34 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

Tom Horton explaining the features of the Compton theatre
organ.

Tom and Hongyan with one of the fair organs providing musical
entertainment outside the pumping station.

original Babcock and Wilcox triple
expansion steam engine running but
a small fair had sprung up on the
grounds that included half a dozen
steam traction engines, collector
cars, and several other displays. Two
small fair organs alternated playing to
provide period musical entertainment
to the visitors.

We spent the evening at the BidenÕs
home. Mike gave us a tour of their
garden followed by a home cooked
meal and listening to many of the
musical boxes in AlisonÕs collection.
She explained the origin of many of
them and their specific interest to

Visitors to the Grange museum, L to R; Hongyan and Tom
Kuehn, Jonny Ling, Peter and Rosemarie Hood and Alan
Smith.

The Garrett showmanÕs engine ÒLady OliviaÓ at Twyford.

Alison and her PVF interchangeable cylinder orchestra box.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 35

her. The piece de resistance is a PVF
sublime harmony orchestra box with
10 bells, matching table and eight
interchangeable cylinders. It may be
the instrument pictured in color plate
#34 in the book ÒThe Musical Box, A
Guide to CollectorsÓ written by Arthur

W. J. G. Ord-Hume. This beautiful
instrument has a very pleasant sound
and was well worth the time spent
listening to it. Alison is currently one
of two vice presidents of MBSGB and
I am currently vice president of MBSI
so we spent some time over the next
several days discussing our two organizations;
opportunities, challenges,
similarities and differences.
As HongyanÕs primary hobby interest
is gardens, we wanted to see some
good examples to give her some ideas
of what she could try back home.
(Recall the subtitle of the MBSGB
invitation, ÒSpring in the Garden of
EnglandÓ). We used a sunny day to
visit the Royal Horticultural Society
(RHS) Garden at Wisley, south of
London, that is home to one of the
largest plant collections in the world.
It contains nearly everything imaginable
including formal gardens, rock
gardens, fruit orchards, vegetable
gardens, vineyards and more natural
landscapes in addition to a large glass
conservatory building that houses
tropical plants.

Later that day we also visited Ramster
Garden, Chiddingfold, a private
garden that was begun in 1890, still
owned and operated by the same family.
The garden was created out of an
oak woodland and contains centuries
old trees in addition to many species
of trees and plants imported from
around the world. One of the best
times to visit is May when the rhododendrons
and azaleas reach their
peak, and we happened to visit during
this time.

The next day we visited Richard
ColeÕs home, again on the south side
of London. We had met him at SalomonÕs
where he demonstrated the
Welte organ. His home is the former
superintendentÕs home for a water
pumping station. Having visited a similar
site at Twyford a few days before,
we understood the significance.
Richard had constructed a separate

A portion of the rock garden at Wisley.

Some of the flowering plants at Ramster Garden

building behind the home to house
his two large organs, an Aeolian pipe
organ and a 3-12 Wurlitzer theatre
organ. Both could be played manually
or from rolls. Richard has two
additional spool frames to be restored
and connected to the organs to extend
their repertoire. He played a few Aeolian
rolls including Toccata from the

5th Organ Symphony in F, Op. 42 by
Charles Widor that sounded fabulous.
The Wurlitzer was originally a five-
rank organ that has been expanded to
12 ranks in addition to the toy counter.
I had not known that theatre organs
in England typically had illuminated
glass enclosures on each side of the
console, something that was not

36 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

More of the flowering plants at Ramster Garden Richard Cole playing a roll on the Aeolian console.

common in the U.S.

As Richard had served as Curator of
the London Science Museum, he is a
wealth of information on many topics,
especially his interest in pipe organs.

The last evening in Winchester, the
Bidens invited us to dinner in the
oldest building in town, established in
1450, that is now a first-rate restaurant.
Being so old, customers have to take
two steps down from street level to
the ground floor and mind the beams
in the low ceiling. We had a wonderful
farewell dinner together.

That concluded the main portion of
our trip other than the journey back
home. We met many new friends
including MBSI members living in the
UK, saw many collections, visited a
number of historical sites, and overall,
had a wonderful time. Many thanks
to all who made our trip a success
and provided us with many fond
memories.

Richard playing the Wurlitzer.

WE WANT YOUR STORY!

Every mechanical musical instrument has a tale to tell. Share the history of people
who owned your instrument before you, or the story of its restoration, or just what
makes it an interesting piece. Send stories via email to editor@mbsi.org or
mail your story to Iron Dog Media, 130 Coral Court, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 37

Mid-America Chapter

44th Annual Band Organ Rally

Chair: Rob Pollock
Reporter: Rob Pollock
Photographer: B Bronson

Jul. 19-21, 2019 Ð Urbana, OH

Back in 1975 the Mid-America
Chapter of MBSI dreamed up an idea
to hold a gathering of carousel organs.
The idea was to share ideas, notes
and experiences. It was a fairly small
affair, but it has continued 43 more
times and the participants still gather
to share ideas, notes and experiences.

This yearÕs Mid-Am Band Organ
Rally was held at the Melvin Miller
Park in Urbana, OH, on a steamy
weekend, Jul. 19-21, 2019. Rally
host and Chapter Chair Rob Pollock
conjured up the second hottest rally
ever held, with temperatures reaching
101 degrees Fahrenheit. Even with
the heat, the organs played well and
the music and education was greatly
appreciated by the visitors who came
to the park.

There were 12 large organs and 13
street organs registered for the rally
with 61 chapter members and guests.

The rally began on Friday evening
with an open house hosted by Rob
Pollock and Cathy Harris at their
home in Urbana. Participants enjoyed
refreshments while being entertained
by cylinder and disc music boxes,
self-playing pipe and reed organs,
organettes, phonographs and an
orchestrion.

All of the organs had the benefit
of shade trees to keep the sun off of
them. Saturday and Sunday were perfectly
clear and breezy which made
the heat tolerable.

At the chapter meeting the Mid-Am
members agreed to our next two organ
rally locations. In 2020, we will meet
in Michigan and in 2021, we will meet
in Southwest Ohio thereby keeping up
the tradition and our motto, which is
ÒMid-Am has more fun!Ó and our slogan
ÒThe Happiest Music on Earth.Ó

New member Russ Bartley of Urbana, OH, demonstrates his 20 note P. K. Watts
organ to Carl Cavitt of Manteno, IL.

MBSI Trustee Mary Pollock of St. Paris, OH, and her Wurlitzer 125 Band Organ.

Wurlitzer 153 Carousel Organ owned by Ed Kraus of Medina, John Prtljaga of Ravena, OH, and his ÒMooseÐikaÓ Concert
OH. Organ.

Dennis and Mearlyn Green of Akron, OH, and their 43 key cus-Dawson Bogert (right) of Corry, PA, with a Raffin 31/84, talks
tom organ and Calliophone on a 1947 Cushman. with local resident Dan Walter.

Larry Beverly of Churubusco, IN, and his Wurlitzer 146A Band Host Rob Pollock with some organs at the open house.
Organ.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 39

National Capital Chapter

Chapter Chair: Matthew Jaro
Reporter: Paul Senger
Photographers: Jan Bender, Knowles
Little and Paul Senger

May 26, 2019 Ð Potomac, MD

The National Capital Chapter (NCC)
held its 23rd Annual Organ Grind and
Music Box Demonstration at the
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National
Historic Park overlooking the Great
Falls of the Potomac. We added to
the festivities of the two-day Spring
in the Park event. There were 17
members viewing and demonstrating
instruments.

The crowd was smaller than usual,
probably due to the 90-degree heat.
Also, the mule-drawn canal boat
rides were not operating due to canal
restoration activities. But, we had
great enthusiasm from lots of visitors
watching and taking pictures and
videos of Terry and Jan BenderÕs and
Dick and Cheryl HackÕs organs at the
side and front of the tavern. We had
our usual array of international visitors
including exchange students from
Indonesia and France who tried their
hand at playing the instruments.

Terry and Jan Bender demonstrated
their R20/78 Konzertorgel custom
Original Raffin from Uberlingen, Germany,
that features six melody stops
with tenor and base accompaniment.
Lots of kids of all ages tried their
hand at cranking Dick and Cheryl
HackÕs big 32-note Prinsen organ with
book music and all left with smiles.
ItÕs always fun to watch the music go
through the organ. Grandkids Travis
Hanna and Alexis Hack shored up
Dick and CherylÕs cranking team.
Knowles Little and Richard Simpson
manned the music box and kidÕs tables
at the back of the tavern. Knowles
brought his 15.-inch Regina disc
box with MIDI player attachment.
Everybody enjoyed the Gem roller
organ, circa 1790 Serinette, Mechanical
Organette, an original 1950s Jack

Terry and Jan welcome visitors with their newest Raffin organ.

Travis Hanna cranks out a tune for Alexis, Cheryl and Dick Hack.

Knowles with the Regina MIDI player and other small demonstrator
instruments.

Joe Orens plays the big TanzbŠr accordion.

Zeke Persky-Hyman watches as brother Felix cranks the John
Richard Simpson and the music box and kids tables. Smith Organ.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 41

Alexis and Cheryl training another visitor in the fine of organ

Paul Senger shows off his 20 Note John Smith organ.

grinding.

in the Box and other assorted music
toys. Knowles also brought a fold out
display board with illustrations of
various instruments. Our regular kids
table organizer Ginny Little could not
attend the festivities due to illness.
She was sorely missed. Joe Orens and
Florie Hirsch roamed the grounds
and serenaded visitors with their Hofbauer
TanzbŠr accordions. The author
played his 20-note home-built John

Dick and Cheryl Hack with their 32-note Prinsen crank organ.

An array of musical toys and organs and historical display of
mechanical music instruments.

Smith busker organ at the other end of
the tavern. At noon we had a surprise
visit from the Perskys. Sandy Persky
came from Chicago along with local
members Susan Persky, Todd Hyman,
and kids Zeke, Felix and Spencer
Persky-Hyman. After cranking some
organs, they headed off for a picnic in
the shade

We received recognition in the local
Potomac Almanac newspaper for our

performance. See: https://tinyurl.com/
NCC-CNO-2019.

We also received a thank you from
Pete Peterson, supervisory park
ranger at the park: ÒThank you Paul
for the May 26th performance. I think
it fit nicely with our ÔSpring in the
ParkÕ event.Ó

Thanks to everybody who came
Sunday to display our hobby.

42 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

National Capital Chapter

Chapter Chair: Matt Jaro
Reporter: Paul Senger
Photographer: Paul Senger

Jun. 29-30, 2019 Ð Reinholds, PA

On the weekend of Jun. 29-30 the
Carousel Organ Association of America
(COAA) and MBSI held a joint
rally at ShuppÕs Grove Antique Market
in Adamstown, PA. The meeting was
hosted by Wally Venable from COAA
and Sally Craig from the National
Capital Chapter (NCC). We had about
60 MBSI members and guests attend,
including 20 from NCC. Many are also
COAA members. There were 72 total
attendees from both organizations. On
display were seven large and 10 small
organs. Some members also brought
assorted other small mechanical
music items for people to see and play.
As the names implies, ShuppÕs Grove
is situated in a wooded grove with
rows and rows of vendor tables, so
there was lots of shade.

Friday evening before the rally we
had an open house at Joe and Judy
HanulecÕs home in Mohnton, PA. Their
collection includes a Mills Violano,
music boxes, many other mechanical
music instruments, plus a one-eighth
scale Northern steam operating
locomotive that Joe built. Judy put
together a wonderful collection of
desserts including pies, cheesecake,
cakes, cannoli and more. We all went
back to the hotel in a great mood, with
a wonderful sugar high.

We had great accommodations from
the owners. The small organs were
all given vendor locations so they
could drive right up to where we were
playing and set up. There was plenty
of space so the large organs were far
enough apart to not interfere with
each other. The sellers and buyers at
the grove were happy to see us and
enjoyed the music. Many people got to
crank the monkey organs and become
certified grinders.

Each afternoon we held a crank

Bob Bucker and Rory Lehman with BobÕs Wurlitzer 105 organ.

Glenn Crater demonstrates his JŠger and Brommer organ during the Saturday
Organ Concert as Susan Skelly looks on.

Jill and Peter Hallock with their Wurlitzer 105 organ.
John Ravert with his De Witte organ.

Tom Billy and his Ruth 33A organ. Patrick Neese in back

changes the roll.
Rally Host Wally and Norma Venable and Bill Guimes at the
Erie Airs organ.

Open House hosts Joe and Judy Hanulec at the Bob BucklerÕs
Wurlitzer 105 organ.

John Wolbach plays his John Smith Senior organ Lilliput
during the Saturday Organ Concert.

44 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

Organ Concert Organ Concert
Greg Swanson demonstrates the Hofbauer organ during the Barbara Hildebrant Plays her Raffin organ during the Saturday

Sunday Organ Concert.

Richard Mazur and Terry Bender with the Special Calliaphone.
Jan Bender changes roll inside

organ concert near Friar TuckÕs
Deli which was well attended by
the members and patrons. Saturday
afternoon we had a heavy rainstorm
just after the organ concert, so we
packed up and were holed up in Friar
TuckÕs Deli waiting for dinner. We had
a great chicken cordon bleu dinner
with all the fixings and ice cream

Pat Pitkin at John PrtljagaÕs organ

sundaes provided by ShuppÕs GroveÕs
owner. Sunday, we had nice weather.
Those who were staying till Monday
morning had a group dinner at the
Deluxe Restaurant next to the rally
hotel Sunday night. A hospitality room
was set up in the hotel every evening
where members gathered and enjoyed
refreshments and snacks and lively

discussion about organs and catching
up on family news.

The owners loved the music and
the customer attraction provided by
the organs. Everyone had a great time
and would come back to the grove for
another rally. We thank the owners for
the great hospitality and food.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 45

Northwest International Chapter

Chapter Chair: Rick Swaney
Reporter: Dale Tyvand
Photographer: Dale Tyvand

May 21-22, 2019 Ð Poulsbo, WA

On May 21-22, members of the
Northwest International Chapter
met in Poulsbo, WA, on the Olympic
Peninsula. After difficulties in getting
the meeting scheduled, it became the
first two-day chapter meeting ever
held mid-week. The Tuesday through
Wednesday window provided needed
flexibility while also reflecting the
non-working status of most of the
members.

The weather cooperated perfectly,
allowing members to tour the Poulsbo
waterfront businesses including the
wonderful Nordic Heritage Museum,
the Front Street Gallery, and the
ever-tempting SluyÕs Bakery with
enticements subtly dragging members
through the doorway.

A dinner chapter meeting at a place
called ThatÕs A Some Italian Ristorante
allowed members to catch up on
happenings while enjoying the meal.
After dinner, it also gave members the
opportunity to stroll the nearby scenic
Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront
Park enjoying not only the ambiance
but also a gorgeous Pacific Northwest
sunset on the water.

The second day of the meeting was
held with brunch at the beautiful new
home of chapter member Ernie Lopez.
Moving to get away from the bustle
of his former home on the peninsula,
Ernie was still in the process of transporting
his furnishings, including
his extensive collections, to the new
location. Even with that underway,
the tour of some of his large clock
collection was breath-taking.

Topmost among the clocks was an
1875 Houdin mystery clock that runs
with no obvious connection between
the pendulum and the clock works.
More impressive in stature was an
1870 Canadian precision jewelerÕs

Ernie Lopez is dwarfed by the precision jewelerÕs regulator grandfather clock.

Ernie checks out the sailing ship automata in action.

Rick Swaney (center) conducts the business meeting while
Larry Cardy takes minutes and Barb Sinclair listens in.

Jerry Yorioka, Ernie Lopez, Irv Eacrett, Jim and Barb Sinclair,
and Mabel Eacrett chat over brunch.

Jim Sinclair listens to ErnieÕs 15.-inch Regina.

Irv Eacrett and Jerry Yorioka take a break from the NWIC
meeting

Rick Swaney, a magician himself, attempts to unravel the
Houdin mystery clock with Ernie LopezÕ coaching.

Larry Cardy and Ernie Lopez discuss some of the smaller Ernie unveils his ÒnewÓ Olympia 20.-inch disc music box with
items in ErnieÕs collection. matching base cabinet.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 47

regulator grandfather clock that is
more than 8 feet tall and positioned on
a stair landing to make it even more
striking. Members also found ErnieÕs
display of pocket watch holders
fascinating.

Ernie provided musical tours of his
15.-inch Regina disc box as well as
a newly acquired Olympia 20.-inch
disc box on a matching bass cabinet
that was delivered just in time for the
meeting. It is a gorgeous addition to
ErnieÕs home and has a terrific sound.

Among other items in his collections,
members also enjoyed seeing
a wedding gift from 1863 that incorporates
a carved wooden sailing ship
automata, bobbing on the waters, into
a mantel clock.

Chapter chair Rick Swaney held
a quick business meeting to cover
administrative tasks. That was followed
by the show and tell segment,
which was highlighted by RickÕs tale
of just-completed maintenance to
his Mills Violano. Rick and several
other local owners were able to
pool resources in order to bring in a
national expert to handle maintenance
chores for all of their machines. Rick
reported that a few minor improvements
to his machine resulted in a
substantial improvement in the sound
quality. Chapter members are looking
forward to a future get together at
RickÕs home to enjoy the results.

The sun sets on the first day of the NWIC meeting in Poulsbo.

Northwest residents take their go-green initiatives seriously.

NWIC chapter members keep walking support readily available should dinner get too wild.

48 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

Chapter members enjoy a performance by the Wurlitzer Style 30-A Mandolin Pianorchestra in the AmesÕ exhibit hall.

Southern California Chapter

Chapter Chair: Robin Biggins
Reporter: Linda Birkitt
Photographer: Lowell Boehland

Jun. 8, Ð Solana Beach, CA

In the afternoon of Jun. 8, both
AMICA (the Automatic Musical
Instrument CollectorsÕ Association)
and MBSI members gathered at the
exhibit hall of Mike and Marilyn Ames,
in Solana Beach, CA. Their daughter,
Alison, assisted in making this event
happen, and they could not have
picked a more perfect day for this
tribute. Tasty snacks were provided
by the hosts. The AmesÕ have decided
this will be their last hosted event for
these musical associations, which
made it even more special for all those

Meeting hosts Alison, Marilyn, and Mike Ames with family friend Alan in front of their
Mortier Jazzola.

Chapter members enjoying the wide range of musical instruments in the exhibit hall at the AmesÕ home.

A massive organ mounted on a raised stage dominates one
Mike Ames discusses his Mills Violano with a guest. end of the exhibit hall.

Illuminated art glass on the Mortier Jazzola. An unusual orchestrion with accordion.

50 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

Robin Biggins (lower right) conducts the chapter business meeting.

A Gerard GI orchestrion that was shipped to the U.S. from Brussels, Belgium.

Mike Ames enjoys a chat with Mark
Weber.

who were there.

Among the many instruments displayed
in the AmesÕ collection were
the following highlighted pieces:
Harpsichords, Gerard GI from
Brussels, a Mortier Jazzola, a Style
L Seeburg and a Wurlitzer Style 30-A
Mandolin Pianorchestra and a large
Aeolian organ. The guests enjoyed
melodies from each of these wonderful
machines.

The required business meetings
began at 1:50 p.m. and were adjourned
by 2:25 p.m. Chapter chairs from both
MBSI and AMICA elaborated on up
and coming events. Robin Biggins
thanked the Ames family for their hospitality
for this event. A Jun. 15 MBSI
meeting will be at the home of Brent
Hoag. Roger and Sandy DeWeese will
host an open house at their home in
San Diego, CA, on the same day.

On Aug. 3, Mark Weber will host
a meeting at his Palos Verdes, CA,
home. Sandy Lechtick will open his
home in Woodland Hills, CA, for a
meeting in October with the precise
date to be announced. Diane DeTar,
AMICA Southern California Chapter
chair, announced that the AMICA
group will have their convention in
Seattle, WA, during the month of July.
Also, Connie and Dieter Brehm will
host an October fest in Tehachapi, CA.
Frank Nix will host a joint Christmas
meeting in December. The lively group
then continued its conviviality for
some time after the meeting.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 51

Southern California Chapter

Chair: Robin Biggins
Reporter: Linda Birkitt
Photographer: Lowell Boehland

Jun. 15, 2019 Ð San Diego CA.

Promptly at noon on Jun. 15, 2019,
Brent Hoag opened his San Diego
home to the Southern California
Chapter of MBSI. Brent is a most
cordial host, who provided us with a
sumptuous Asian luncheon followed
by a dessert of apple pie. Because
of the somewhat smaller number of
attendees at this meeting, Brent was
able to give us a very personalized
tour of his varied collections.

Chapter Chair Robin Biggins
opened the business meeting and
reported that Mark and Gale Weber
will host a meeting Aug. 3 at their
home in Palos Verdes, CA. Music

Meeting host Brent Hoag talks with Alan Reece about a Reuge cylinder box.

Pamela Elliott feels the weight of a crystal from BrentÕs collec-
tion while Brent and Frank Nix look on.

Brent tells Bill Elliott about a piece of carved ivory Mammoth
tusk in his collection.

A small slice of BrentÕs replica FabergŽ egg collection. Chapter members enjoying the Asian luncheon.

Robin Biggins presents Don Henry with
his MBSI 2018 Unsung HeroÕs Award.

Chapter members and guests gathered for a group photo.

Brent talks with Linda Birkitt about a
Reuge interchangeable cylinder music
box.

Robin Biggins and Alan Reece enjoy a cylinder box with carved art case in BrentÕs Another gleaming cylinder box in BrentÕs
home. collection.

A wonderful Bremond orchestra box. Note the separate organ Brent opens drawers under a large cylinder box to show the
keys for flute pipes and reeds. available interchangeable cylinders featuring different tunes.

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 53

Chapter members enjoyed a wonderful afternoon on the back patio at Roger and Sandy DeWeeseÕs home.

Hosts Roger and Sandy DeWeese with a Polyphon upright
disc box in their collection.

boxes, automata, and replications of antique furniture will
be displayed during the meeting. Mark is building an organ
from the ground up in his workshop for those interested in
seeing the work in progress. A date for a future meeting in
Simi Valley, CA, is yet to be determined. Robin noted that
members might want to save the dates of Aug. 10-11 for
an Antique Phonograph Society meeting. Robin personally
thanked Lowell Boehland for his photographic contributions
to the chapter and the society. He then awarded Don
Henry with an Unsung Hero Award for making promotional
videos for both AMICA (the Automatic Musical Instrument
CollectorsÕ Association) and MBSI. Diane DeTar,
AMICA Southern California Chapter chair, mentioned that
Jul. 1-3 would be the AMICA convention in Seattle, WA,
and noted that Running Horse StudioÕs Lourinda Bray will
be featured in an open house Jun. 23. at the Museum of
History in Pasadena, CA.

After the meeting we traveled to the home of Sandy and
Roger DeWeese in Del Mar for further socializing, a light
dinner, viewing their collections and the treat of viewing
a video of RogerÕs nautical automaton which is on display
at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. A grand time was had by all
attendees of this dual location event.

Roger cranks his barrel organ to entertain the gathered group
of guests visiting his home.

54 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

In Memoriam In Memoriam
Richard Reutlinger

It is our sad duty to announce the
passing of Richard Reutlinger. On
Saturday, Jun. 29, we lost the last surviving
member of the original group
that founded AMICA in 1963.

After a brief illness and hospital stay,
Richard returned home for one final
concert at his Grove Street mansion
in San Francisco, CA. Richard left this
life in the comfort of his magnificent
house while listening to a live performance
by one of his favorite artists,
Morten Gunnar Larsen.

A native of Nebraska, Richard grew
up in the town of Lexington, where
he was first exposed to ragtime and

early jazz music through his Aunt
Louise, who had played piano for
local theaters. Sometime later, when
his parents took his family to San
Francisco on vacation, Richard was
impressed with player pianos he heard
at the Cliff House restaurant. Back in
Nebraska 13-year-old Richard quickly
acquired his very first piano Ð an old
pumper he procured for $50. This was
the beginning of a lifelong obsession
for Richard.

The memory of the City by the Bay
remained with Richard, and in 1956,
he ÒescapedÓ Nebraska and made
the move to San Francisco. Early on,

Richard purchased a smaller Victorian
home in the Mission district, but in

The Musical Box Society of Great Britain announces the publication of two new books
Published in September 2018
100pp Hard Back ISO A4 format [8.27Ó . 11.70Ó; Profusely illustrated in

Supplement to

colour throughout with Additional Illustrations of Models, 89 Additional Lid
The Disc Musical Box Pictures Additions to Lists of Models, Patents, Tune Lists & Serial Numbers;
Combined Index of Images in the original book and its Supplement.

Compiled and Edited by
Kevin McElhone

Originally published in 2012 and still available The Disc Musical Box

ISBN 978-0-9557869-6-9

is a compendium of information about Disc Musical Boxes, their Makers and
their Music; profusely illustrated in colour throughout with Illustrations of
each Disk Musical Box Model, and with Catalogue Scans, Lists of Models,
Patents & Tune Lists.

colour throughout;Additional Illustrations of Models; Additions to Lists of
Supplement to 100pp Hard Back ISO A4 format [8.27Ó . 11.70Ó; Profusely illustrated in
The Organette Book

Patents, Tune Lists & Tuning Scales; A New Section on Trade Cards;

Compiled and Edited by

Combined Index of Images in the original book and its Supplement.

Kevin McElhone

ISBN 978-0-9557869-5-2 The Organette Book is a compendium of information about Organettes,
their Makers and their Music. Originally published in 2000 but now out of
print although second-hand copies are occasionally available in online
auctions.

************************************************************************************************************************
For all MBSGB Publications, please refer to the Musical Box Society of Great Britain website for further details including latest
availability, discounted prices and information on how to order. -www.mbsgb.org.uk

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 55

1965 he jumped at the opportunity to
assume ownership of the Brune mansion
on Grove Street. Richard made it
his lifeÕs work to restore the dilapidated
structure to its former opulence. In so
doing, he helped kindle a movement
to re-gentrify the entire Western Addition
neighborhood, ultimately saving
dozens of historically priceless old
Victorians from certain demolition.
Richard remained an active member
in the Victorian Alliance throughout
his time in the city.

For most of his career, Richard
worked as an office manager for the
Arthur Anderson accounting firm. The
job was not high paying. Richard was,
however, forever watchful for opportunities
and was able to periodically
obtain ever more fine mechanical
instruments as well as period furnishings
for the Brune mansion.

Richard generously opened his
home to share his love of ragtime and
early 20th century popular music with
others. Live concerts at the Reutlinger
mansion were a regular occurrence,

and famous artists such as Max
Morath, Nan Bostick and even once
the great Eubie Blake have played
there. These performances were not
designed to profit Richard, being
purely for the benefit of the artist and
the public.

Since its inception, Richard has
remained an active and vital part of
AMICA, rarely missing a chapter meeting,
and of course hosting the annual
Christmas party year after year. Many
of us have fond memories of these

soirŽes: the great food, RichardÕs holiday
punch, live music and of course,
a silent movie accompanied by the
host himself operating his beloved
Fotoplayer.

RichardÕs family was his friends, and
Richard had a large family indeed. He
leaves behind so many people who
will miss his generosity, his eccentricity,
his wry smile and his big heart.

As of this date, there has been no
formal announcement of any memorial
service for Richard.

Offered for sale by Gary Durow

#2. Timbres on Vue 8-song music box.
Measures 16.5 x 10.5 x 8.5 Asking $1,760

#6. Regina Music Box Changer, All
original, 12 different 27-inch discs.
Mahogany, serial #46688, double comb
with nickel slot. Measures 72 x 36 x 22.
Mint condition. $17,000

#3. Columbia 10-song music #4. Fabrique De Geneve 10-song

box. Measures 19.5 x 9.5 x 6 music box. Measures All items are located near Lansing, MI.

Asking $1,040 19.5 x 9 x 6.25. Asking $640

All items are restored with no broken
Purchase all 5 listed above as a single lot for $4,500 – call (517) 256-1389 teeth or combs and no damper noise

#1. Mandoline 12-song music box.
Measures 30 x 11 x 7.5 Asking $1,760

#5 No Name 12-song
music box. Measures
23 x 10.5 x 8 Asking $1,600

56 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

September 2-7, 2020

71st Annual Meeting of the
Musical Box Society International
&
57th Annual Meeting of the

Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors Association
Hosted by the AMICA Founding Chapter
and the MBSI Golden Gate Chapter
Pullman Hotel, Redwood City, California

BenÕs Player Piano Service
Repair and restoration of air powered mechanical music
devices of all description.
Player pianos
Reproduing pianos
Dance organs
Fairground organs
Nickelodeon pianos
Original historically
Correct techniques
And materials used
Throughout in the
Rebuilding process.
Benjamin R Gottfried
464 Dugan Road, Richfield Springs NY 13439
Bensplayerservice.com 315-858-2164
SAMPLE Restorations, LLC.
Joe Smith
Email: mbsi@irondogmedia.com to place your ad here!
This could be your ad right here!
Chet Ramsay
Antiques
Complete Restoration
Services Available.
Specializing in Music Boxes
Ð Ð
Bought ¥ Sold ¥ Repaired
¥ Outside Horn Phonographs
¥ Music Boxes
Come visit our Victorian
showroom and workshop
East Fallowfield Twp.
2460 Strasburg Road
Coatesville, PA 19320
2 miles south of Coatesville
610-384-0514
Showroom open by appointment
Now accepting consignments for 2020
Recent results
Criterion Upright Double Comb
Hammer Price – $6,785
Regina Music Box – Hammer Price – $3422
French Interchangable Cylinder
Music Box – Hammer Price – $5,310
58 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

For more information,
please contact Howie Schack
Phone: 817-994-4321
Email: MusicalHowie@gmail.com
The lifelong collection of mechanical music machines,
cherished by Ralph and Gloria, now available for purchase!
www.TheAmazingMusicalOddity.com
For more information,
please contact Howie Schack
Phone: 817-994-4321
Email: MusicalHowie@gmail.com
The lifelong collection of mechanical music machines,
cherished by Ralph and Gloria, now available for purchase!
www.TheAmazingMusicalOddity.com

StantonÕs Fall Music Machine
3-Day Auction 3-Day Auction
To be held in the Barry Expo Center, Barry County Fairgrounds,

at 1350 N. M-37 Highway, Hastings, Michigan (4-1/2 miles northwest of Hastingsor 20 miles southeast of Grand Rapids on M-37 to the sale site)

THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY,
NOVEMBER 21, 22, & 23, 2019

ThursdayÕs Luncheon at 11:30 A.M. – 12:00 Noon
ThursdayÕs Auction Begins at 12:30 P.M.
Friday & SaturdayÕs Auction Begins at 9:00 A.M. Each Day

Having just finished our spring event, we are already planning our fall event and scheduling our

travels, and meeting with collectors, estate and museums as we gather the items that will be
included in our large fall auction.

The fall event started this type of specialized sale at StantonÕs and has always proven to be a

strong and interesting offering. Contact us early to have your items included, and call to get on
our travel schedule. We already have trips planned to various locations on the west coast, as

well as the south and of course the Midwest and east coast. DonÕt wait to the last minute and
anticipate that we will be able to drop everything and head your wayÉitÕs a lot easier to call early

to discuss your situation Ð giving us an adequate amount of time to plan, schedule and promotethe items that you have collected.

Steven E. Stanton, (517) 331-8150Email Ð stevenEstanton@gmail.com

Michael C. Bleisch, (517) 231-0868Email Ð mcbleisch@gmail.com

Rare Edison Eclipse
Coin Operated
Phonograph
Edison Amberola Model 1A floor model
cylinder machine

Orchestral Regina 27Ó
upright music box

Rare Paillard
Snuff Box,
Circa 1855

Reginaphone 20-3/4Ó
combination music box
& phonograph

StantonÕs Auctioneers,
AUCTIONEERS & REALTORSSTANTONÕSSteven E. Stanton

(517) 331-8150 cellular

Appraisers, & Realtors

(517) 852-0627 evening

144 S. Main, P.O. Box 146
Vermontville, MI 49096 E-mail Ð stevenEstanton@gmail.com

Phone: (517) 726-0181

Michael C. Bleisch

Fax: (517) 726-0060

(517) 231-0868 cellular

E-mail: stantonsauctions@sbcglobal.net

E-mail Ð mcbleisch@gmail.com

Website: www.stantons-auctions.com

NancyFrattiMusicBoxesancyFrattiMusicBoxes
315-684-9977 -PO Box 400 Ð Canastota NY 13032 USA

musicbox@frontiernet.net
-www.nancyfrattimusicboxes.com

Buying, Selling and Disbursing Collections for 51 years!

THE MART THE MART
CLASSIFIED ADS

¥ 47¢ per word
¥ ALL CAPS, italicized and bold
words: 60¢ each.
¥ Minimum Charge: $11 per ad.
¥ Limit: One ad in each category
¥ Format: See ads for style
¥ Restrictions: Ads are strictly
limited to mechanical musical
instruments and related items and
services
¥ MBSI memberÕs name must
appear in ad
¥ Non-members may advertise at the
rates listed plus a 10% surcharge
PLEASE NOTE:

The first two words (or more
at your choice) and the memberÕs
name will be printed in all caps/bold
and charged at 60¢ per word.

Mechanical Music

Mechanical Music is mailed to all
members at the beginning of every
odd month Ñ January, March, May,
July, September and November.

MBSI Advertising Statement

It is to be hereby understood
that the placing of advertisements
by members of the Society in this
publication does not constitute nor
shall be deemed to constitute any
endorsement or approval of the business
practices of advertisers. The
Musical Box Society International
accepts no liability in connection
with any business dealings between
members and such advertisers.

It is to be further understood that
members are to rely on their own
investigation and opinion regarding
the reputation and integrity of
advertisers in conducting such business
dealings with said advertisers.

FOR SALE
RESTORED MUSICAL BOXES Offering a
variety of antique musical boxes, discs,
orphan cylinders, reproducing piano rolls &
out of print books about mechanical music.
BILL WINEBURGH 973-927-0484 Web:
antiquemusicbox.us

THE GOLDEN AGE of AUTOMATIC MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS By ART REBLITZ.
Award-winning classic that brings historical,
musical, and technical information to life
with hundreds of large, vivid color photos.
We guarantee youÕll find it to be one of the
most interesting, inspiring, informative books
you have in your libraryÐor your money back.
Everyone has been delighted, and some
readers have ordered several copies. Get
your copy today for $99 plus S/H. MECHANICAL
MUSIC PRESS-M, 70 Wild Ammonoosuc
Rd., Woodsville, NH 03785. (603) 747-2636.

http://www.mechanicalmusicpress.com

1928 WEBER 6Õ4Ó Duo Art Walnut Art Case
Louis XVI 80118 with original matching
bench. Finish in good condition, original ivory
keys, player restored 20 years ago but still

plays well. $8,500 Donald Huene, 7429 North
Valentine, Fresno CA 93711 (559) 431-1639,
yosemf@aol.com Contact: DONALD HUENE,
(559) 431-1639, yosemf@aol.com 7429 N
Valentine Ave Fresno, 93711-0643 United
States

PORTER SWAN Elite Music Box w/electric
motor. Includes seven discs. Photos, Video,
Information Available. $2500 OBO. Contact:
JAMIE HUNTER, 305-965-4633, portermusicbox4sale@
gmail.com

WURLITZER 146A Band Organ available for
sale. Serial # 3925 m.1927 Plays well , needs

Display Advertising Dimensions and Costs
Dimensions 1 issue 3 issues* 6 issues*
Back Cover 8.75Ó x 11.25Ó $600 $540 $510
Inside Covers 8.75Ó x 11.25Ó $450 $405 $383
Full Page 7.25Ó x 9.75Ó $290 $261 $246
Half Page 7.25Ó x 4.5Ó $160 $144 $136
Quarter Page 3.5Ó x 4.5Ó $90 $81 $77
Eighth Page 3.5Ó x 2.125Ó $50 $45 $43
Add a 10% surcharge to the prices shown above if you are not a member of MBSI.
*Display Discounts shown above are calculated as follows:
3 consecutive ads 10% Discount
6 consecutive ads 15% Discount

SUBMIT ADS TO:

MBSI Ads
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(253) 228-1634
Email: editor@mbsi.org

Add a photo to your ad!

Photos are only $30 extra per issue.

Email editor@mbsi.org or

call (253) 228-1634 for more details.

ALL ADS MUST BE PREPAID

We accept VISA/MC and Paypal.

ADVERTISING DEADLINES:

The 1st day of each even month:
Feb., Apr., Jun, Aug., Oct. and Dec.

Display ads may be submitted
camera-ready, as PDF files, or with
text and instructions. File submission
guidelines available on request.

Errors attributable to Mechanical
Music, and of a significant nature, will
be corrected in the following issue
without charge, upon notification.

62 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

turning! Purchased in 1979 from Doyle Lane
Restorations. Originally from a Vancouver
Carousel. 40 rolls included. $15,000.00 US.
Pics and info DAVID ROWLAND drdajaro@
gmail.com 360 914 7329

MARVELS OF MECHANICAL MUSIC – MBSI
Video. Fascinating and beautifully-made
film which explains the origins of automatic
musical instruments, how they are collected
and preserved today, and their historic
importance, MBSI members and collections
are featured. $20 USD. Free shipping in the
continental U.S. Additional postage charges
apply for other locations.

WANTED
LOOKING TO BUY Grand Roller Organ
32-note cobs. Contact: DAVID COSMO, 845224-
6355, dave@cprdave.com

WURLITZER PIANINO late style with pipes

and xylophone. Also wanting APP changer
rolls. Marches and old favorites. Contact:
DON KROENLEIN, fbac@one-eleven.net

SERVICES
REPRODUCTION POLYPHON discs; Catalogs
available for 19 5/8Ó, 22 1/8Ó, and 24 1/2Ó.
DAVID CORKRUM 5826 Roberts Ave, Oakland,
CA 94605-1156, 510-569-3110,
www.polyphonmusic.com

SAVE $Õs on REUGE & THORENS MUSIC
BOX REPAIR & RESTORATION Ð MBSI
MEMBERS RECEIVE WHOLESALE PRICING.

40 + Years experience servicing all makes
& models of cylinder and disc music boxes,
bird boxes, bird cages, musical watches, Anri
musical figurines, et al. All work guaranteed.
WeÕre the only REUGE FACTORY AUTHORIZED
Parts & Repair Service Center for all of North
America. Contact: DON CAINE -The Music

Box Repair Center Unlimited, 24703 Pennsylvania
Ave., Lomita, CA 90717-1516. Phone:
(310) 534-1557 Email: MBRCU@AOL.COM.
On the Web: www.musicboxrepaircenter.com

Mechanical
Music
DiRecTORY
MeMBeRs,
MuseuMs,
& DealeRs
2018 2019
Extra Copies only $10
Call (417) 886-8839
Advertise in The Mart

Have some spare parts or extra rolls taking up the space where you should be
installing your next acquisition? Ready to trade up, but need to sell one of your
current pieces first? Get the word out to other collectors by advertising in The
Mart, an effective advertising tool at an inexpensive price.

Fill out the form below and mail to MBSI at 130 Coral Court, Pismo Beach, CA
93449. Call (253) 228-1634 with questions.

Name Phone

Email

Text of ad

Display Advertisers

2 Renaissance Antiques
55 Musical Box Society of Great
Britain
56 Gary Durow Music Boxes
57 Golden Gate Chapter/AMICA
58 BenÕs Player Piano Service
58 Chet Ramsay Antiques
58 Cottone Auctions
58 Bob Caletti Music Box
Restorations
59 Schack Collection – Amazing
Musical Oddity
60 StantonÕs Auctioneers & Realtors
61 Nancy Fratti Music Boxes
67 Marty Persky
68 Auction Team Breker

Each One
Reach One
New Member
September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 63

OFFICERS, TRUSTEES & COMMITTEES of the
MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL¨

OFFICERS
President

Clay Witt
820 Del Rio Way Unit 303
Merritt Island, FL 32953
floridaclay@floridaclay.net

Vice President

Tom Kuehn
4 Williams Woods
Mahtomedi, MN 55115
kuehn001@umn.edu

Recording Secretary

David Corkrum
5826 Roberts Avenue
Oakland, CA 94605
musikwerke@att.net

Treasurer

Edward Kozak
3615 North Campbell Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
kozak@seldenfox.com

TRUSTEES

Judy Caletti
Ed Cooley
Sally Craig
Wayne Finger
Tom Kuehn
Mary Ellen Myers
Mary Pollock
Clay Witt

MBSI FUNDS

COMMITTEES
Audit

Edward Cooley, Chair, Trustee

G.Wayne Finger, Trustee
Third member TBD
Endowment Committee

Edward Kozak, Treasurer, Chair
Edward Cooley, Trustee

G.Wayne Finger, Trustee
B Bronson
Wayne Wolf
Executive Committee

Clay Witt, Immediate Past Pres.
Chair and additional members TBD

Finance Committee
Edward Kozak, Chair, Treasurer
Wayne Wolf, Vice Chair
Peter Both
Two trustee members TBD

Marketing Committee

Bob Smith, Chair

G.Wayne Finger, Trustee
Meetings Committee
Matt Jaro, Chair
Judy Caletti
Tom Chase
Cotton Morlock
Mary Pollock
Rich Poppe

Membership Committee

Chair, TBD
Linda Birkitt, Southern California
Judy Caletti, Golden Gate
Julie Morlock, Southeast
Rob Pollock, Mid-America
Dan Wilson, Piedmont
Gerald Yorioka, Northwest IntÕl
TBD, East Coast
TBD, Great Lakes
TBD, National Capital
TBD, Snowbelt
TBD, Sunbelt

Museum Committee

Sally Craig, Chair, Trustee
Glenn Crater, National Capital
Ken Envall, Southern California
Julian Grace, Sunbelt
Wayne Myers, Southeast
Richard Simpson, East Coast

Museum Sub-Committees

Ohio Operations
Emery Prior

Nominating Committee

Dan Wilson, Chair
Clay Witt, Immediate Past Pres.
Judy Caletti, Golden Gate
Judy Miller, Southeast
Dale Tyvand, Northwest IntÕl
Bill Wineburgh, East Coast
Two trustee members TBD

Publications Committee

Bob Caletti, Chair
Steve Boehck
Dave Corkrum
Christian Eric
Kathleen Eric
Terry Smythe

Publications
Sub-Committee

Website Committee
Rick Swaney, Chair
Julian Grace
B Bronson
Don Henry
Knowles Little, Web Secretary

Special Exhibits Committee

Chair, TBD

David Corkrum, Golden Gate

Robert Ebert, Mid-America

Jack Hostetler, Southeast

Judy Miller, Piedmont

Mary Ellen Myers, Southeast,

Trustee

Wayne Myers, Southeast

Rick Swaney, Northwest IntÕl

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Publications Back Issues:

Jacque Beeman

Regina Certificates:

Bob Yates

MBSI Pins and Seals:

Jacque Beeman

Librarian:

Jerry Maler

Historian:

Bob Yates

MBSI Editorial Office:

Iron Dog Media
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
editor@mbsi.org

Members can donate to these funds at any time.
Send donations to: General Fund (unrestricted)
MBSI Administrator, Endowment Fund (promotes the purposes of MBSI, restricted)
PO Box 10196, Ralph Heintz Publications Fund (special literary projects)
Springfield, MO 65808-0196. Museum Fund (supports museum operations)

All manuscripts will be subject to editorial review. Committee and the Editorial Staff. are considered to be the authorÕs personal opinion.
Articles submitted for publication may be edited The article will not be published with significant The author may be asked to substantiate his/her
or rejected at the discretion of the Publications changes without the authorÕs approval. All articles statements.

64 MECHANICAL MUSIC September/October 2019

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Date Event Location Sponsor
Nov. 17, 2019 Golden Gate Chapter Meeting Morgan Hill, CA Chris and Greg Hopwood
Sept. 2-6, 202 MBSI Annual Meeting – Joint with AMICA Redwood City, CA Golden Gate Chapter

Please send dates for the Calendar of Events to Russell Kasselman (editor@mbsi.org)

CONTACTS

Administrator Jacque Beeman handles back issues (if available) $6;
damaged or issues not received, address changes, MBSI Directory
listing changes, credit card charge questions, book orders, status of your
membership, membership renewal, membership application, and MBSI
Membership Brochures.
P.O. Box 10196
Springfield, MO 65808-0196
Phone/Fax (417) 886-8839
jbeeman.mbsi@att.net

CHAPTERS

East Coast

Chair: Elise Low
(203) 457-9888
Dues $10 to Geoffrey Wilson
804 Appleton Way
Whippany, NJ 07981

Golden Gate

Chair: Jonathan Hoyt
(408) 214-9313
Dues $5 to Dave Corkrum
5826 Roberts Ave.
Oakland, CA 94605

Lake Michigan

Chair: Aaron Muller
(847) 962-2330
Dues $5 to James Huffer
7930 N. Kildare
Skokie, Illinois 60076

Mid-America

Chair: Rob Pollock
(937) 508-4984
Dues $10 to Harold Wade
4616 Boneta Road
Medina, OH 44256

National Capital

Chair: Matthew Jaro
(301) 482-2008
Dues $5 to Florie Hirsch
8917 Wooden Bridge Road
Potomac, MD 20854

Northwest International

Chair: Rick Swaney
(425) 836-3586
Dues $7.50/person to Kathy Baer
8210 Comox Road
Blaine, WA 98230

Piedmont

Chair: Vernon Gantt
(919) 264-2222
vgjr123@yahoo.com
Dues $10 to Vernon Gantt
PO Box 20238
Raleigh, NC 27619

Snowbelt

Chair: Tracy Tolzmann
(651) 674-5149
Dues $10 to Gary Goldsmith
17160 – 245th Avenue
Big Lake, MN 55309

Traveling MBSI Display
Bill Endlein
21547 NW 154th Pl.
High Springs, FL 32643-4519
Phone (386) 454-8359
sembsi@yahoo.com

Regina Certificates: Cost $5.
B Bronson
Box 154
Dundee, MI 48131
Phone (734) 529-2087
art@d-pcomm.net

Advertising for Mechanical Music
Russell Kasselman
Iron Dog Media
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Phone (253) 228-1634
editor@mbsi.org

CHAPTERS

Southeast

Chair: Jack Hostetler
(352) 633-1942
Dues $5 to Clay Witt
820 Del Rio Way Unit 203
Merritt Island, FL 32953

Southern California

Chair: Robin Biggins
(310) 377-1472
Dues $10 to Bob Lloyd
1201 Edgeview Drive
Cowan Hgts, CA 92705

Museum Donations
Sally Craig,
2720 Old Orchard Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone (717) 295-9188
rosebud441@juno.com

MBSI website
Rick Swaney,
4302 209th Avenue NE
Sammamish, WA 98074
Phone (425) 836-3586
r_swaney@msn.com

Web Secretary
Knowles Little
9109 Scott Dr.
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone (301) 762-6253
kglittle@verizon.net

Sunbelt

Chair: Ray Dickey
(713) 467-0349
Dues $10 to Diane Caudill
4585 Felder Road
Washington, TX 77880

Copyright 2018 the Musical Box Society International, all rights reserved. Permission to reproduce by any means, in whole or in part, must be obtained in writing
from the MBSI Executive Committee and the Editor. Mechanical Music is published in the even months. ISSN 1045-795X

September/October 2019 MECHANICAL MUSIC 65

HALF PAGE
HORIZONTAL
7.25Ó x 4.5Ó
QUARTER
PAGE
3.5Ó x 4.5Ó
EIGHTH
PAGE
3.5Ó x 2.125Ó
Mechanical Music
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Mechanical Music
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments
Volume 63, No. 3 May/June 2017
Mechanical Music
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments
Volume 63, No. 1 January/February 2017
DISPLAY ADVERTISING DIMENSIONS & PER ISSUE COSTS
Dimensions 1 issue 2-3 issues 4-6 issues
Back Cover 8.75Ó x 11.25Ó $600 $540 $510
Inside Covers 8.75Ó x 11.25Ó $450 $405 $383
Full Page 7.25Ó x 9.75Ó $290 $261 $247
Half Page 7.25Ó x 4.5Ó $160 $144 $136
Quarter Page 3.5Ó x 4.5Ó $90 $81 $77
Eighth Page 3.5Ó x 2.125Ó $50 $45 $43
Non-members pay a 10% surcharge on the above rates
Display Discounts shown above are calculated as follows:
3 consecutive ads 10% Discount
6 consecutive ads 15% Discount
FULL PAGE
8.75Ó X 11.25Ó
(0.5Ó bleed)
7.25Ó x 9.75Ó
(live area)
PRODUCTION SCHEDULE
ISSUE NAME ADS DUE DELIVERED ON
January/February December 1 January 1
March/April February 1 March 1
May/June April 1 May 1
July/August June 1 July 1
September/October August 1 September 1
November/December October 1 November 1
Mechanical Music is printed on 70 lb gloss
paper, with a 100 lb gloss cover, saddle-
stitched. Trim size is 8.25Ó x 10.75Ó.
Artwork is accepted in the following formats:
PDF, PSD, AI, EPS, TIF. All images
and colors should be CMYK or Grayscale
and all fonts should be embedded or
converted to outlines. Images should be a
minimum of 300 dpi resolution.
Email fi les to:
mbsi@irondogmedia.com
USPS or Fed Ex to:
Iron Dog Media, LLC
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Mechanical Music is mailed to more
than 1,500 members of the Musical
Box Society International six (6) times
per year.
PRINTING & ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS
CIRCULATION
ALL ADS MUST
BE PREPAID
The Musical Box Society International
accepts VISA, Mastercard and online
payments via PayPal.
Contact MBSI Publisher Russell Kasselman at (253) 228-1634 or editor@mbsi.org
CLASSIFIED ADS
¥ 47¢ per word
¥ ALL CAPS, italicized and
bold words: 60¢ each.
¥ Minimum Charge: $11.
¥ Limit: One ad in each
category
¥ Format: See ads for style
¥ Restrictions: Ads are strictly
limited to mechanical musical
instruments and related
items and services

MARTY PERSKY

Instrument Brokering & Locating / Appraisals / Inspections / Free Consultation

Popper Felix Mortier 84 key CafŽ Ruth Style 38 Concert Fair Organ Hupfeld Helios II/25 Welte 4 Concert

Instruments from fine collections in the Metropolitan Chicago Area.

Home Model Violano Steinway XR Duo-Art Otto Pianette Seeburg KT Gables Automatic Regina 15Ó
Early #116 Louis XV 1925 Disc Coin-Op Flute Pipes Entertainer c. 1918 Autochanger

New Century Imperial Kalliope Coin-Op Conchon Orchestra Box Capital Cuff B Capitol Phono
18.5Ó Four Comb Symphonion 12 Bells 6 cylinders 36 Airs Eagle Drive Lamp

Wurlitzer 850A Nelson-Wiggen Mills Bow Front Niemuth 45-Key Arburo Dance Organ
Jukebox Style 5X Violano Virtuoso Bacigalupo ÒTexas LadyÓ

Visit www.MechMusic.com for information on these and other fine instruments.
Call 847-675-6144 or Email: Marty@MechMusic.com

ÒHarpe PiccoloÓ
Musical Box with Bells, c. 1885
Estimate: 6.000 Ð 8.000  / $ 6.800 Ð 9.100
Automaton Portrait of Alexander
Puschkin by Christian Bailly
Estimate: 22.000 Ð 30.000  /
$ 24.800 Ð 34.200
Triple Singing Bird
Automaton by Bontems, c. 1900
Estimate: 6.000 Ð 8.000  /
$ 6.800 Ð 9.100
Singing Bird Jardinire
Automaton by Bontems, c. 1890
Estimate: 6.000 Ð 8.000  /
$ 6.800 Ð 9.100
Dancing Bear Automaton
by Roullet et Decamps, c. 1900
Estimate: 2.000 Ð 3.000  /
$ 2.250 Ð 3.400
Stone-Set Silver Hungarian Singing
Bird and Matching Musical Box
Estimate: 6.000 Ð 8.000  / $ 6.800 Ð 9.100
Silver Singing Bird box
by Griesbaum, c. 1930s
Estimate: 4.000 Ð 6.000  /
$ 4.500 Ð 6.800
Polyphon Style 6K 22-inch Disc
Musical Box with Glockenspiel
Estimate: 6.500 Ð 8.000  /
$ 7.400 Ð 9.100
Musical Picture
Clock, c. 1880
Estimate:
3.000  Ð 4.000  /
$ 3.400 Ð 4.550
Interchangeable Musical Box
with Bells by Paillard, c. 1880
Estimate: 15.000 Ð 20.000  /
$ 17.100 Ð 22.800
Musical Box with Bells
by Heller, c. 1895
Estimate: 4.000  Ð 6.000  /
$ 4.550 Ð 6.800
Walking Vintager Automaton
by Gustave Vichy, c. 1880
Estimate: 6.000 Ð 8.000  /
$ 6.800 Ð 9.100
Free consignment shipping to Germany Ð if delivered or sent to our location
in Garden City Park, NY 11040 (10 miles east of JFK Airport)
Free shipping for any major consignment from the U.K.! You just pack Ð we do the rest!
For more highlights and videos, visit www.Breker.com/New Highlights
or youtube.com/auctionteambreker
Fully-illustrated bilingual (Engl.-German) COLOUR Catalogue available against prepayment only:
Euro 28.Ð (Europe) or elsewhere Euro 37.Ð (approx. US$ 44.Ð / Overseas)
(Bank draft, cash or by Credit Card with CVV and expiry date: MasterCard/Visa/AmEx)
. Consignments for Future Auctions Always Welcome! .
Ð The Specialists in ÈTechnical AntiquesÇ Ð
P. O. Box 50 11 19, 50971 Koeln/Germany á Tel.: +49 / 2236 / 38 43 40 á Fax: +49 / 2236 / 38 43 430
Otto-Hahn-Str. 10, 50997 Koeln (Godorf)/Germany
e-mail: Auction@Breker.com á www.breker.com á Business Hours: Tue Ð Fri 9 am Ð 5 pm
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT OUR INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES:
U.S.A.: Andrew Truman, Tel. (207) 485 8343 * AndrewAuctionTeamBreker@gmail.com
Australia & New Zealand: P. Bardenheier, (NZ), Tel./Fax (+64) (0)9 817 72 68 * dbarden@orcon.net.nz
Japan: Murakami Taizou, Tel./Fax (06) 68 45 86 28 * murakami@ops.dti.ne.jp á China: Jiang Feng, Tel. 138 620 620 75 * jiangfengde@gmail.com
Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore: Alex Shih-Chieh Lin, (HK), Tel. (+852) 94 90 41 13 * alexsclin@gmail.com
England: Tel. (0)777 963 7317 * AuctionTeamBrekerUK@outlook.de á France: Pierre J. Bickart, Tel. (01) 43 33 86 71 * AuctionTeamKoln@aol.com
Russia: Maksim Suravegin, Tel. +7 903 558 02 50 * Maksim-ATB.ru@gmx.net
Consignments until 1st September 2019
… and many more!
153rd Specialty Auction
ÈMechanical MusicÇ
9 November 2019
Polyphon Musical
Hall Clock, c. 1900
Estimate: 6.000 Ð 8.000  /
$ 6.800 Ð 9.100