Volume 65, No. 5 September/October 2019

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

Volume 65, No. 5 September/October 2019

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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 The article will not be published with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

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Last Name First Name Initial

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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.

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(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
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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
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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
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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