The green double-keyboard piano at 18:10 is a roll arranging or recording piano, used in later years by J. Lawrence Cook (for freelance work), but reportedly originally used by the Pianostyle company of New York. Nice close-up of the smiling art glass lady on the playing of "Smiles"! MAJOR THANKS for a GREAT tour of a phenomenal collection! I will definitely have to make it over and visit myself sometime!
Thank you very much for taking this fine high-definition video, and moving slowly from instrument to instrument! First, from 00:00, we have a Wurlitzer CX orchestrion playing "I Wish't I Was In Peoria" [yes, "Wish't", that's the real title!]. At 00:10 is a dandy Seeburg E coin piano with xylophone on the left, with a handsome North Tonawanda Pianolin model B on the right. At 00:22 we see a rare roll-operated Decap dance organ, and at 00:34 is a nice Bursens "Arburo" dance organ.
At 03:20, L-R, is a Peerless model 44 piano, an Encore Banjo, and a Wurlitzer Automatic Harp, model "B". I love how "Kramer" from Seinfeld unerringly found his way to the top of the harp! At 03:24, we have what appears to be a Seeburg model "A" coin piano. At 03:27, L-R, we have another Seeburg "A", and a rare Seeburg "cabinet" model, which was the transitional style between the earlier "P-G-A" and later "L" cabinet model or "Lilliputian'.
At 10:45, we have a Popper "Tonika" cylinder piano-orchestrion, followed by a roll cabinet(?), and then (at 10:51) what appears to be an Automatic Musical Instrument Company (early Link Piano Co.) model "M" cabinet piano, with the pipes in the top either removed, or hidden behind the "A" roll frame which appears to be a retrofit (although possibly a 1920s retrofit!). At 10:55 is a National (Grand Rapids, Michigan) roll-changing coin piano, in a very handsome case. 10:59 is an early Cremona G.
Next to it, at 07:47, is an EVEN BIGGER Seeburg model R photoplayer! This one uses BOTH Seeburg H or MSR and standard 88-note rolls! I think there are only three of this model known to exist, and this is one of them. At 08:05, we have what appears to be a Melville Clark Apollophone player piano with built-in phonograph. Next to it, at 08:09, is a Wurlitzer late-model ("flat-front") Pianino. Next to THAT, at 08:13, is a Wurlitzer Mandolin Quartette in an early-style case.
AH! Thanks for going "down the line" of the next few pianos, now I can see what they are! At 04:07 we have a very beautiful Chicago Electric model "EL-2" coin piano, with some of the very nicest art glass I've seen in that model. I think I've seen another example with mostly clear or beveled glass.
At 04:55, we have the remarkable National Piano Player Co. "Colonial Elite" model G or H orchestrion! (the model G had drums only, no pipes; the model H had both drums and one rank of pipes. The pipes, if present, are "upstairs" next to the roll frame. Given how rare these things are, this is probably the exact same model H, with metal violin pipes, sold by Hathaway and Bowers in the 1960s. Good to see it looking fully restored! I'd LOVE to hear this one!!! This uses the Peerless "O" roll.
At 00:42, surrounded by modern percussion equipment, presumably for either guests or the owners to keep time(!), is a very fine-looking Berry-Wood model 15 coin piano which has at some point been converted to a Ragola orchestrion "downstairs". I have no idea what , if anything, is "upstairs" in the case. This is the same piano sold at auction in Arizona (I think) in 2005 (I think). At 00:50, we have a fine Auto-Electric (or Regal?) 44-note cabinet piano. Very rare!
At 08:28 is a Wurlitzer coin piano, possibly a model "I", "A", or "D", of a case design that I have never seen before, with stunningly beautiful art glass. At 08:33 is a Wurlitzer "IX" or possibly "IX-B" (with bells) in a standard case design. Another Wurlitzer "IX" (?) is at 08:35. This case design was production-line, but is very rare today, I only know of one other existing example of this type of case.
At 08:17 is the Wurlitzer "I" coin piano formerly owned by Paul Eakins and featured on his "World's Most Beautiful Barroom Piano" records. At 08:22 is a Wurlitzer "IX" of the same, although smaller-proportioned, case design.
Peeking out behind the Regina, Symphonion, and Orphenion upright musical boxes is a row of Cremona coin pianos, from L-R models 1, A (with art glass I've never seen before), 2 (at 13:13), and what MIGHT be a 3 at 13:15 behind the Regina Corona. At 13:19 we have a Cremona J on the left, and a Coinola CO on the right, apparently the same exact CO that used to be at the Deansboro Musical Museum.
At 06:38 is a Seeburg E in a standard-design case which is very early (and so, very rare today!). This one has pipes, probably violin pipes. At 06:44 is another Seeburg "E" in the more familiar, later standard design case. At 06:45, we have a Wurlitzer "C" or "CX" (probably) orchestrion in a familiar case design. Next to it, at 06:58, is what must be one of the earliest surviving Wurlitzer tall-case orchestrions! It is either a "B" or "C" having the early short roll frame.
At 02:19 we have a Cremona "J"-style buildup on the right, and a Seeburg "F"-style buildup on the left. Unusual instruments! I wonder if they play? At 02:30, we have, on the right, an "Otto Accordian" [sic] made by Miner Manufacturing, playing G rolls, and on the left, a "Maccordion", made by G. W. MacKinnon, which I think plays Wurlitzer 165 rolls. At 02:41, right, is another accordion-playing device in an Encore-banjo style case, and on left, is an antique French accordion orchestrion.
At 01:51, we encounter, in the corner, the tall and imposing Peerless model "O" orchestrion. This is the first instrument they made which played the Peerless "O" roll, spaced 7 holes per inch and 14 and 1/2 " (I think) in width. This model was introduced in 1911, I think, and extensively advertised in The Music Trade Review. (This is before, I think, Operators' Piano Company came up with their own unrelated "O" roll scale which is the one commonly found today).
At 04:30, we see what appears to be a very rare Peerless piano, possibly a model "Cabaret" (model A???), which might also use "RR" rolls. I do believe both "A" and "B" of the "Cabaret" models originally had art glass in the front, so it's possible this clear glass is either retrofit, or was special-ordered by a customer (Peerless advertised they would make pianos with clear glass panels if desired, even in the bottom panel!). This may be the piano formerly in the Murray Clark collection.
At 07:31, center, is a Wurlitzer model W or Z "organette" (the W has flute and quintadena pipes, while the Z has violin pipes instead of the quintadenas) At 07:38 is a Wurlitzer model U photoplayer. This is the version that plays Wurlitzer Concert PianOrchestra rolls, and it must sound tremendous!!! This may be the same exact example featured years ago on a Carrousel Music recording.
Next to it, at 05:53, is a Link model C (with flute pipes) in an incredibly rare case. I think there is only one other Link with this case design known! This particular "C" currently plays Link "A" rolls with added percussion, and was previously for sale in antique shop in Irish Hills, Michigan. [see Dave Brown's post "FS: Link Orchestrion" in the 1999.03.21 MMDigest] At 05:58, we briefly get a glimpse of a stunning Electrova model 66, and I cannot identify the piano shown at 06:01 !!!
What a totally amazing collection of mechanical musical instruments!,they must have an example of nearly every make and model of orchestrion here,i wonder how long it would take to play them all?
At 04:53 is a National Piano Player Co. (successor to the Peerless firm) "Colonial Elite" model E (?) coin piano with mandolin effect. At least, this is what I presume this instrument to be, since I do believe it is the exact same one sold by Lloyd Thoburn of coinopwarehouse on eBay several years ago. Good to see it's also in a good home! I am not sure if the "Colonial Elite" was originally built to use the earlier Peerless "Elite" roll, or the standard "A" roll.
At 06:04 is another Electrova model 66, this time with a lighter case and with lamps(! I sure hope one of the restorers over here has made copies of these for Jon Fortunato who needed them!). At 06:07 is an early Berry-Wood coin piano using endless rolls, not sure of the model or whether it plays their "65-note" or "88-note" roll. At 06:10 is ANOTHER (!) Berry-Wood model F. Rounding the corner, at 06:31 is a BEAUTIFUL Seeburg F. Next, at 06:34, is a Seeburg "E Special".
[...] These model pianos (together with the "F" and "V", and original model "RR") used the style "RR" roll which was spaced 6 and 1/2 holes per inch and is extremely rare today. I recall seeing either this exact piano, or another one like it with "blue-r" lamps and art glass for sale on Ebay several years ago. Until I find an original Peerless catalog or something I cannot confirm the model of this piano. I would love to hear this one play, too!
At 04:58, we see a rare original North Tonawanda Musical Instrument Works model "L" coin piano. This is most probably the former Roehl collection instrument which plays the rare model "L" roll. If it isn't, then it probably is one of the several later examples that exist playing the regular "A" roll. The Roehl example is the only known existing example playing the early roll specially designed for it.
At 07:21, we have what appears to be a Wurlitzer "S-B" coin piano with bells. I'm not sure if this is the same one that was for sale on Ebay a few years ago, from Texas (Arkansas?) or not. That one was in rough shape. To its immediate right (at 07:26 ) is a Wurlitzer "S-A" coin piano with pipes (flute pipes?). This may be either the former Charlie Smallwood instrument, or the one sold at a Milhous auction several years ago. At 07:29 is a rare Wurlitzer model "D Duplex" photoplayer!
At 05:48, there is a Link cabinet piano, which may or may not be a model 2-E. The case design is a regular-production one, but not as common as other Link cases. At 05:50 is another Link piano. It looks like it could be a model C with flute pipes.
At 09:04, we have a nice Wurlitzer model "O" photoplayer. I think this is another former Paul Eakins instrument. At 09:10, we have a very pretty, small, and probably one-of-a-kind (today) Seeburg model "S" photoplayer. I wonder if it is all original, or whether things had to be made to replace those that were missing? At 09:16, we have an Operators "Reproduco" piano/organ of the standard model, with single coin-piano style roll frame and quintadena pipes.
At 02:52, we see a standard Mills Single Violano-Virtuoso, and at 03:04, there is a Double model. At 03:10 is a rare and early 44-note cabinet piano. I can't quite read the maker's name, but it could be a Regal, Auto Electric, Pianova, or??? At 03:16 we see a dandy North Tonawanda Pianolin, model "A".
At 12:06 is a Price and Teeple "Carleton" coin piano, although I'm not sure whether it has pipes or xylophone. Another one of these exists in Southern California which has a xylophone. At 12:09 is some manner of Coinola "Midget" (need to see inside to determine the model). At 12:26 is a Mills Electric Piano. 12:36 showsw what appears to be a Wurlitzer(?) 61-key Tom Thumb piano, although I think several makers made these. I have no idea if it has a player. 12:40 shows a Coinola "Cupid".
At 04:14 is a very rare Peerless coin piano. I am not sure of the model designation, but the case design was patented. This may be the original "Cabaret" model A or B, since I can not find original illustrations of these models to confirm. [...]
At 03:34 is yet ANOTHER Seeburg "A" on the left, and a beautiful Seeburg "B" with "rising sun" art glass on the right. At 03:39 is another Seeburg "A" on the right, and a very unusual Seeburg (?) or Western Electric (?) piano on the left. At 03:46, we happen upon one of my favorite Seeburg models, the style "C" cabinet model or "xylophonian". If I only won the lottery, man! Rounding the corner at 03:53, there is a nice Belgian orchestrion by Pierre Eich, perhaps a "Solophone"?
At 08:53, we have what appears to be a Chicago Electric cabinet piano on the left, with a keyboard-style coin piano that I can't identify (Rhapsodist? H. G. Johnson?) on the right. From 8:58 to 8:59, we get a panorama view of a nice Wurlitzer model "G" photoplayer. I think there are only a few complete examples of these around although it was Wurlitzer's most popular photoplayer, probably because the side cabinets were frequently junked.
At 01:13 we meet a handsome Peerless Arcadian orchestrion in a "Chicago-style" case. I would love to hear this one play, too! There are two others of this case design known, in collections in Illinois and Calitornia. At 01:28 is a very nice North Tonawanda Musical Instrument Works Sextrola, and at 01:41 we come face to face with a huge Seeburg H orchestrion. I have heard through the grapevine that some of the aforementioned instruments may be replicas, but have no absolute proof of this.
At 16:45, the CX has finished changing the roll, and plays a snappy version of "Smiles". Thanks for showing the interior, drum shelf, and flute pipes of the Seeburg L orchestrion at 17:06. There are only about five of this model known to exist today, and only three of them have the percussion! At 17:17 is a Seeburg KT with violin pipes and eagle glass. 17:19 appears to be a Seeburg K with xylophone, but it is hard to tell. At 17:23 is a Seeburg KT Special. 17:25 is a pretty Seeburg C w/keyboard.
At 04:32, we see a somewhat wild-looking (to me) coin piano, and I cannot make out the maker's name, so I have no idea who made it, or where, or when! At 04:35 is a very nice Cremona "K" orchestrion, and next to it, at 04:40, is a rare and very beautiful Cremona model "F" coin piano with pipes. Nice whistling, by the way! At 04:51, we see a nice "Capitol" coin piano, made by the company that took over the North Tonawanda Musical Instrument Works.
At 07:03 we have a stunning Wurlitzer "A" (?) coin piano with pipes. I'm not sure whether or not this is an "A-B", which would mean it also has bells, too. At 07:05 is a very early and possibly experimental Wurlitzer "I" (?) coin piano with an external drum attachment! What do you make of that? At 07:09, L-R, are an early Wurlitzer "88-note" coin piano using its own special rare roll (possibly the same piano that was in the Player Piano Co. auction); and a Wurlitzer "S" in a later case.
At 13:48 is an odd Coinola orchestrion. It's in a regular C case, but with X percussion and weird pipes "downstairs". At 14:07 is a Coinola C2 or CK on the left, and a regular Coinola X on the right. At 14:13 is a regular Coinola C. At 14:16 is ANOTHER Coinola Cupid (why two?). Rounding the corner, at 14:23 is a Seeburg X expression piano. At 14:47 is a Western Electric C and a Seeburg L cabinet piano. At 14:59 is a Western Electric X(?). At 15:05 is a GORGEOUS Western Electric O orchestrion.
At 05:36, there is a Seeburg "A" or "B" with very unusual, perhaps unique, art glass, and a richly-veneered quartered-oak case. There was a California dealer, now deceased, who would amusingly constantly refer to this as "Tiger Oak". I can not identify the piano shown at 05:38 ! The piano at 05:39 appears to be a Jewett "A"-roll coin piano, and since it looks slightly different than another Jewett that has periodically been offered for sale, I presume at least two exist.
This old great stuff is "Real America.".... Somewhere, somehow, we've lost it. In SanFrancisco there is "Musee Mecanique on pier 45 with machines like this and early gaming machines to play.
Starting at 00:54, we move to the Berry-Wood model A. O. H. orchestrion, with unusual (though possibly original) lamps on the front, and beautiful art glass. I'd love to hear this once it's playing again! At the same time, in the background, the Wurlitzer CX swings into "Chlo-e, song of the swamp". At 01:03 is a very rare Nelson-Wiggen 5X with marimba. Apparently, most(?) 5X's known to exist today have a regular high-pitch 28-note xylophone like a 4X... only a few have the low-pitch marimba.
At 11:40 is a very rare, perhaps one-of-a-kind today, Engelhardt cabinet orchestrion which uses Coinola "O" rolls (since Engelhardt had a deal with Operators for roll arrangements later on), possibly the same exact instrument sold by Hathaway & Bowers. I recall it has two castanets and possibly a triangle in there, although I don't own that particular issue of their 1960s catalog so cannot comment further. Nice to see it still exists! At 11:43 we get a close-up of a pretty Engelhardt "E".
Further on the Peerless model "O", if this is an original, then it probably came from the collection of the late John Maxwell of California. It is good to know it has a good home, and I'd love to hear it too! At 01:55 we see the Wurlitzer model 12 Mandolin PianOrchestra featured in some of your other videos. This came from another California collector. At 02:08 is the Weber "Otero"-roll buildup housed in a North Tonawanda Mando-Orchestra case, and incorporating an old Wurlitzer piano.
At 04:15, we hear the Wurlitzer start up again, this time with the J. Lawrence Cook arrangement (well, one of them, anyway) of the famous "St. Louis Blues". At 04:17, we see the most beautiful Peerless "Elite" I've ever seen! The art glass design and coloration on this is simply stunning! I am not sure whether it has hte optional flute or violin pipes in back or not. This piano played a Peerless "Elite" roll which was spaced 7 holes per inch like the "O" roll, but played all 88 notes!
At 05:10, we have another 44-note piano, this time IDENTIFIED as a Regal, identical to one of the ones seen earlier in case design, except this example has art glass! WHERE does he find these things??? At 05:18 is a handsome North Tonawanda "Pianolin" in the "Standard" case and glass design. At 05:28, we have a handsome Berry-Wood model "F" coin piano. It is not clear to me whether this model "F" still has any of its "guts", or is the same as any of the 3 existing "F"s I know of.
At 11:04 we catch a glimpse of a Cremona model "F" coin piano, with an art-glass design so wild I say "there's no way this could be original", but wouldn't it be far-out if it is?!?!? At 11:16 is a cylinder piano, of the type which used to be found in English pubs.
At 09:56, on the left, is a Regina Sublima. In the center, is a Peerless "D" coin piano. The piano to the right of the Peerless might be a "straight" upright piano or a piano-cased reed organ.
17:29 is a Nelson-Wiggen Casino X, although I cannot tell if this has the xylophone or not. Gordon Stelter should ask the owner and main restorer of this collection if they could please supply him with detailed photos and measurements of this piano, so he can replicate/source original parts for a heavily cobbled public-location Casino X that he maintains. At 17:30 is a dandy Nelson-Wiggen 8, followed by another Seeburg L cabinet piano.
09:40 is a square grand piano. 09:43 through 09:49 are regular grand pianos, which do not appear to be players. I cannot read the maker's names right now. The unusual-looking instrument at 09:53 is an Estey "Minuette" self-contained home pipe organ, housed in a case made to look like a grand piano!!!
At 09:30, there is an electronic organ (I can't tell the make), with a roll-player unit on top. I used to know the name of the fellow who made these roll-player units, but I've forgotten. I have no idea WHAT the heck the piano is at 09:33! It looks like some kind of Peerless, with a Player Piano Co. rollframe playing Coinola "O" rolls that was added later. 09:36 appears to be a very early and rare electronic piano or organ. (1930s? 1940s?).
(please play the Western Electric O the next time you visit... it looks superbly restored and probably sounds terrific! I'd love to visit this collection but am on the West Coast, and have no idea when I can make it to the East Coast next). At 15:09 is a Western Electric "A" or "J" (probably "A"). At 15:15 is a Western Electric "S". At 15:19 is a BEAUTIFUL Wurlitzer Bijou Orchestra. Please play this one too! At 15:48 is a Seeburg "L" orchestrion. Good close-up of the CX roll changer in action!
HEY... I was just getting into it and you cut me off !. I heard Valley Forge. Where are you, are you in Pennsylvania? Great museum, Where is this place?
It's called American treasure tours in oaks PA. Over 200 machines, 80 old cars, hundreds of automated figures and tons and tons of other things. If you're near Endwell NY, we will be there with one of our largest organs for a band organ rally
Aside from all the dolls staring you down, this place is on my bucket list of places to travel!
They are not staring at you, they are waiting for you.
The green double-keyboard piano at 18:10 is a roll arranging or recording piano, used in later years by J. Lawrence Cook (for freelance work), but reportedly originally used by the Pianostyle company of New York.
Nice close-up of the smiling art glass lady on the playing of "Smiles"!
MAJOR THANKS for a GREAT tour of a phenomenal collection! I will definitely have to make it over and visit myself sometime!
Thank you very much for taking this fine high-definition video, and moving slowly from instrument to instrument!
First, from 00:00, we have a Wurlitzer CX orchestrion playing "I Wish't I Was In Peoria" [yes, "Wish't", that's the real title!].
At 00:10 is a dandy Seeburg E coin piano with xylophone on the left, with a handsome North Tonawanda Pianolin model B on the right.
At 00:22 we see a rare roll-operated Decap dance organ, and at 00:34 is a nice Bursens "Arburo" dance organ.
At 03:20, L-R, is a Peerless model 44 piano, an Encore Banjo, and a Wurlitzer Automatic Harp, model "B". I love how "Kramer" from Seinfeld unerringly found his way to the top of the harp!
At 03:24, we have what appears to be a Seeburg model "A" coin piano.
At 03:27, L-R, we have another Seeburg "A", and a rare Seeburg "cabinet" model, which was the transitional style between the earlier "P-G-A" and later "L" cabinet model or "Lilliputian'.
At 10:45, we have a Popper "Tonika" cylinder piano-orchestrion, followed by a roll cabinet(?), and then (at 10:51) what appears to be an Automatic Musical Instrument Company (early Link Piano Co.) model "M" cabinet piano, with the pipes in the top either removed, or hidden behind the "A" roll frame which appears to be a retrofit (although possibly a 1920s retrofit!). At 10:55 is a National (Grand Rapids, Michigan) roll-changing coin piano, in a very handsome case. 10:59 is an early Cremona G.
Next to it, at 07:47, is an EVEN BIGGER Seeburg model R photoplayer! This one uses BOTH Seeburg H or MSR and standard 88-note rolls! I think there are only three of this model known to exist, and this is one of them.
At 08:05, we have what appears to be a Melville Clark Apollophone player piano with built-in phonograph.
Next to it, at 08:09, is a Wurlitzer late-model ("flat-front") Pianino.
Next to THAT, at 08:13, is a Wurlitzer Mandolin Quartette in an early-style case.
AH! Thanks for going "down the line" of the next few pianos, now I can see what they are! At 04:07 we have a very beautiful Chicago Electric model "EL-2" coin piano, with some of the very nicest art glass I've seen in that model. I think I've seen another example with mostly clear or beveled glass.
At 04:55, we have the remarkable National Piano Player Co. "Colonial Elite" model G or H orchestrion! (the model G had drums only, no pipes; the model H had both drums and one rank of pipes. The pipes, if present, are "upstairs" next to the roll frame.
Given how rare these things are, this is probably the exact same model H, with metal violin pipes, sold by Hathaway and Bowers in the 1960s. Good to see it looking fully restored! I'd LOVE to hear this one!!! This uses the Peerless "O" roll.
At 00:42, surrounded by modern percussion equipment, presumably for either guests or the owners to keep time(!), is a very fine-looking Berry-Wood model 15 coin piano which has at some point been converted to a Ragola orchestrion "downstairs". I have no idea what , if anything, is "upstairs" in the case. This is the same piano sold at auction in Arizona (I think) in 2005 (I think).
At 00:50, we have a fine Auto-Electric (or Regal?) 44-note cabinet piano. Very rare!
At 08:28 is a Wurlitzer coin piano, possibly a model "I", "A", or "D", of a case design that I have never seen before, with stunningly beautiful art glass.
At 08:33 is a Wurlitzer "IX" or possibly "IX-B" (with bells) in a standard case design.
Another Wurlitzer "IX" (?) is at 08:35. This case design was production-line, but is very rare today, I only know of one other existing example of this type of case.
At 08:17 is the Wurlitzer "I" coin piano formerly owned by Paul Eakins and featured on his "World's Most Beautiful Barroom Piano" records.
At 08:22 is a Wurlitzer "IX" of the same, although smaller-proportioned, case design.
Peeking out behind the Regina, Symphonion, and Orphenion upright musical boxes is a row of Cremona coin pianos, from L-R models 1, A (with art glass I've never seen before), 2 (at 13:13), and what MIGHT be a 3 at 13:15 behind the Regina Corona. At 13:19 we have a Cremona J on the left, and a Coinola CO on the right, apparently the same exact CO that used to be at the Deansboro Musical Museum.
At 06:38 is a Seeburg E in a standard-design case which is very early (and so, very rare today!). This one has pipes, probably violin pipes.
At 06:44 is another Seeburg "E" in the more familiar, later standard design case.
At 06:45, we have a Wurlitzer "C" or "CX" (probably) orchestrion in a familiar case design.
Next to it, at 06:58, is what must be one of the earliest surviving Wurlitzer tall-case orchestrions! It is either a "B" or "C" having the early short roll frame.
At 02:19 we have a Cremona "J"-style buildup on the right, and a Seeburg "F"-style buildup on the left. Unusual instruments! I wonder if they play?
At 02:30, we have, on the right, an "Otto Accordian" [sic] made by Miner Manufacturing, playing G rolls, and on the left, a "Maccordion", made by G. W. MacKinnon, which I think plays Wurlitzer 165 rolls.
At 02:41, right, is another accordion-playing device in an Encore-banjo style case, and on left, is an antique French accordion orchestrion.
At 01:51, we encounter, in the corner, the tall and imposing Peerless model "O" orchestrion. This is the first instrument they made which played the Peerless "O" roll, spaced 7 holes per inch and 14 and 1/2 " (I think) in width.
This model was introduced in 1911, I think, and extensively advertised in The Music Trade Review.
(This is before, I think, Operators' Piano Company came up with their own unrelated "O" roll scale which is the one commonly found today).
At 04:30, we see what appears to be a very rare Peerless piano, possibly a model "Cabaret" (model A???), which might also use "RR" rolls. I do believe both "A" and "B" of the "Cabaret" models originally had art glass in the front, so it's possible this clear glass is either retrofit, or was special-ordered by a customer (Peerless advertised they would make pianos with clear glass panels if desired, even in the bottom panel!). This may be the piano formerly in the Murray Clark collection.
At 07:31, center, is a Wurlitzer model W or Z "organette" (the W has flute and quintadena pipes, while the Z has violin pipes instead of the quintadenas)
At 07:38 is a Wurlitzer model U photoplayer. This is the version that plays Wurlitzer Concert PianOrchestra rolls, and it must sound tremendous!!! This may be the same exact example featured years ago on a Carrousel Music recording.
Next to it, at 05:53, is a Link model C (with flute pipes) in an incredibly rare case. I think there is only one other Link with this case design known! This particular "C" currently plays Link "A" rolls with added percussion, and was previously for sale in antique shop in Irish Hills, Michigan. [see Dave Brown's post "FS: Link Orchestrion" in the 1999.03.21 MMDigest]
At 05:58, we briefly get a glimpse of a stunning Electrova model 66, and I cannot identify the piano shown at 06:01 !!!
What a totally amazing collection of mechanical musical instruments!,they must have an example of nearly every make and model of orchestrion here,i wonder how long it would take to play them all?
At 04:53 is a National Piano Player Co. (successor to the Peerless firm) "Colonial Elite" model E (?) coin piano with mandolin effect. At least, this is what I presume this instrument to be, since I do believe it is the exact same one sold by Lloyd Thoburn of coinopwarehouse on eBay several years ago. Good to see it's also in a good home!
I am not sure if the "Colonial Elite" was originally built to use the earlier Peerless "Elite" roll, or the standard "A" roll.
At 06:04 is another Electrova model 66, this time with a lighter case and with lamps(! I sure hope one of the restorers over here has made copies of these for Jon Fortunato who needed them!).
At 06:07 is an early Berry-Wood coin piano using endless rolls, not sure of the model or whether it plays their "65-note" or "88-note" roll.
At 06:10 is ANOTHER (!) Berry-Wood model F.
Rounding the corner, at 06:31 is a BEAUTIFUL Seeburg F.
Next, at 06:34, is a Seeburg "E Special".
[...] These model pianos (together with the "F" and "V", and original model "RR") used the style "RR" roll which was spaced 6 and 1/2 holes per inch and is extremely rare today. I recall seeing either this exact piano, or another one like it with "blue-r" lamps and art glass for sale on Ebay several years ago. Until I find an original Peerless catalog or something I cannot confirm the model of this piano.
I would love to hear this one play, too!
At 04:58, we see a rare original North Tonawanda Musical Instrument Works model "L" coin piano.
This is most probably the former Roehl collection instrument which plays the rare model "L" roll.
If it isn't, then it probably is one of the several later examples that exist playing the regular "A" roll. The Roehl example is the only known existing example playing the early roll specially designed for it.
At 07:21, we have what appears to be a Wurlitzer "S-B" coin piano with bells. I'm not sure if this is the same one that was for sale on Ebay a few years ago, from Texas (Arkansas?) or not. That one was in rough shape.
To its immediate right (at 07:26 ) is a Wurlitzer "S-A" coin piano with pipes (flute pipes?). This may be either the former Charlie Smallwood instrument, or the one sold at a Milhous auction several years ago.
At 07:29 is a rare Wurlitzer model "D Duplex" photoplayer!
At 05:48, there is a Link cabinet piano, which may or may not be a model 2-E. The case design is a regular-production one, but not as common as other Link cases.
At 05:50 is another Link piano. It looks like it could be a model C with flute pipes.
Someone told me that Link is a 2-BX formerly owned by Harvey Roehl.
At 09:04, we have a nice Wurlitzer model "O" photoplayer. I think this is another former Paul Eakins instrument.
At 09:10, we have a very pretty, small, and probably one-of-a-kind (today) Seeburg model "S" photoplayer. I wonder if it is all original, or whether things had to be made to replace those that were missing?
At 09:16, we have an Operators "Reproduco" piano/organ of the standard model, with single coin-piano style roll frame and quintadena pipes.
At 02:52, we see a standard Mills Single Violano-Virtuoso, and at 03:04, there is a Double model.
At 03:10 is a rare and early 44-note cabinet piano. I can't quite read the maker's name, but it could be a Regal, Auto Electric, Pianova, or???
At 03:16 we see a dandy North Tonawanda Pianolin, model "A".
At 12:06 is a Price and Teeple "Carleton" coin piano, although I'm not sure whether it has pipes or xylophone. Another one of these exists in Southern California which has a xylophone. At 12:09 is some manner of Coinola "Midget" (need to see inside to determine the model). At 12:26 is a Mills Electric Piano. 12:36 showsw what appears to be a Wurlitzer(?) 61-key Tom Thumb piano, although I think several makers made these. I have no idea if it has a player. 12:40 shows a Coinola "Cupid".
At 04:14 is a very rare Peerless coin piano. I am not sure of the model designation, but the case design was patented. This may be the original "Cabaret" model A or B, since I can not find original illustrations of these models to confirm. [...]
18:16 The Wurlitzer IX....with red key.....what a beauty!
That came from Paul Eakins, right?
At 03:34 is yet ANOTHER Seeburg "A" on the left, and a beautiful Seeburg "B" with "rising sun" art glass on the right.
At 03:39 is another Seeburg "A" on the right, and a very unusual Seeburg (?) or Western Electric (?) piano on the left.
At 03:46, we happen upon one of my favorite Seeburg models, the style "C" cabinet model or "xylophonian". If I only won the lottery, man!
Rounding the corner at 03:53, there is a nice Belgian orchestrion by Pierre Eich, perhaps a "Solophone"?
At 08:53, we have what appears to be a Chicago Electric cabinet piano on the left, with a keyboard-style coin piano that I can't identify (Rhapsodist? H. G. Johnson?) on the right.
From 8:58 to 8:59, we get a panorama view of a nice Wurlitzer model "G" photoplayer. I think there are only a few complete examples of these around although it was Wurlitzer's most popular photoplayer, probably because the side cabinets were frequently junked.
At 01:13 we meet a handsome Peerless Arcadian orchestrion in a "Chicago-style" case. I would love to hear this one play, too! There are two others of this case design known, in collections in Illinois and Calitornia.
At 01:28 is a very nice North Tonawanda Musical Instrument Works Sextrola, and at 01:41 we come face to face with a huge Seeburg H orchestrion.
I have heard through the grapevine that some of the aforementioned instruments may be replicas, but have no absolute proof of this.
At 16:45, the CX has finished changing the roll, and plays a snappy version of "Smiles". Thanks for showing the interior, drum shelf, and flute pipes of the Seeburg L orchestrion at 17:06. There are only about five of this model known to exist today, and only three of them have the percussion! At 17:17 is a Seeburg KT with violin pipes and eagle glass. 17:19 appears to be a Seeburg K with xylophone, but it is hard to tell. At 17:23 is a Seeburg KT Special. 17:25 is a pretty Seeburg C w/keyboard.
At 04:32, we see a somewhat wild-looking (to me) coin piano, and I cannot make out the maker's name, so I have no idea who made it, or where, or when!
At 04:35 is a very nice Cremona "K" orchestrion, and next to it, at 04:40, is a rare and very beautiful Cremona model "F" coin piano with pipes.
Nice whistling, by the way!
At 04:51, we see a nice "Capitol" coin piano, made by the company that took over the North Tonawanda Musical Instrument Works.
At 07:03 we have a stunning Wurlitzer "A" (?) coin piano with pipes. I'm not sure whether or not this is an "A-B", which would mean it also has bells, too.
At 07:05 is a very early and possibly experimental Wurlitzer "I" (?) coin piano with an external drum attachment! What do you make of that?
At 07:09, L-R, are an early Wurlitzer "88-note" coin piano using its own special rare roll (possibly the same piano that was in the Player Piano Co. auction); and a Wurlitzer "S" in a later case.
At 13:48 is an odd Coinola orchestrion. It's in a regular C case, but with X percussion and weird pipes "downstairs". At 14:07 is a Coinola C2 or CK on the left, and a regular Coinola X on the right. At 14:13 is a regular Coinola C. At 14:16 is ANOTHER Coinola Cupid (why two?). Rounding the corner, at 14:23 is a Seeburg X expression piano. At 14:47 is a Western Electric C and a Seeburg L cabinet piano. At 14:59 is a Western Electric X(?). At 15:05 is a GORGEOUS Western Electric O orchestrion.
At 05:36, there is a Seeburg "A" or "B" with very unusual, perhaps unique, art glass, and a richly-veneered quartered-oak case. There was a California dealer, now deceased, who would amusingly constantly refer to this as "Tiger Oak".
I can not identify the piano shown at 05:38 !
The piano at 05:39 appears to be a Jewett "A"-roll coin piano, and since it looks slightly different than another Jewett that has periodically been offered for sale, I presume at least two exist.
This old great stuff is "Real America.".... Somewhere, somehow, we've lost it. In SanFrancisco there is "Musee Mecanique on pier 45 with machines like this and early gaming machines to play.
Hopefully someday you can make it out
Starting at 00:54, we move to the Berry-Wood model A. O. H. orchestrion, with unusual (though possibly original) lamps on the front, and beautiful art glass. I'd love to hear this once it's playing again! At the same time, in the background, the Wurlitzer CX swings into "Chlo-e, song of the swamp".
At 01:03 is a very rare Nelson-Wiggen 5X with marimba. Apparently, most(?) 5X's known to exist today have a regular high-pitch 28-note xylophone like a 4X... only a few have the low-pitch marimba.
At 11:40 is a very rare, perhaps one-of-a-kind today, Engelhardt cabinet orchestrion which uses Coinola "O" rolls (since Engelhardt had a deal with Operators for roll arrangements later on), possibly the same exact instrument sold by Hathaway & Bowers. I recall it has two castanets and possibly a triangle in there, although I don't own that particular issue of their 1960s catalog so cannot comment further. Nice to see it still exists! At 11:43 we get a close-up of a pretty Engelhardt "E".
Further on the Peerless model "O", if this is an original, then it probably came from the collection of the late John Maxwell of California. It is good to know it has a good home, and I'd love to hear it too!
At 01:55 we see the Wurlitzer model 12 Mandolin PianOrchestra featured in some of your other videos. This came from another California collector.
At 02:08 is the Weber "Otero"-roll buildup housed in a North Tonawanda Mando-Orchestra case, and incorporating an old Wurlitzer piano.
At 04:15, we hear the Wurlitzer start up again, this time with the J. Lawrence Cook arrangement (well, one of them, anyway) of the famous "St. Louis Blues".
At 04:17, we see the most beautiful Peerless "Elite" I've ever seen! The art glass design and coloration on this is simply stunning! I am not sure whether it has hte optional flute or violin pipes in back or not. This piano played a Peerless "Elite" roll which was spaced 7 holes per inch like the "O" roll, but played all 88 notes!
At 05:10, we have another 44-note piano, this time IDENTIFIED as a Regal, identical to one of the ones seen earlier in case design, except this example has art glass! WHERE does he find these things???
At 05:18 is a handsome North Tonawanda "Pianolin" in the "Standard" case and glass design.
At 05:28, we have a handsome Berry-Wood model "F" coin piano. It is not clear to me whether this model "F" still has any of its "guts", or is the same as any of the 3 existing "F"s I know of.
At 11:04 we catch a glimpse of a Cremona model "F" coin piano, with an art-glass design so wild I say "there's no way this could be original", but wouldn't it be far-out if it is?!?!? At 11:16 is a cylinder piano, of the type which used to be found in English pubs.
At 09:56, on the left, is a Regina Sublima. In the center, is a Peerless "D" coin piano. The piano to the right of the Peerless might be a "straight" upright piano or a piano-cased reed organ.
17:29 is a Nelson-Wiggen Casino X, although I cannot tell if this has the xylophone or not. Gordon Stelter should ask the owner and main restorer of this collection if they could please supply him with detailed photos and measurements of this piano, so he can replicate/source original parts for a heavily cobbled public-location Casino X that he maintains. At 17:30 is a dandy Nelson-Wiggen 8, followed by another Seeburg L cabinet piano.
The Wurlitzer CX is a favorite of mine. I like the versions without the bells
09:40 is a square grand piano.
09:43 through 09:49 are regular grand pianos, which do not appear to be players. I cannot read the maker's names right now.
The unusual-looking instrument at 09:53 is an Estey "Minuette" self-contained home pipe organ, housed in a case made to look like a grand piano!!!
At 09:30, there is an electronic organ (I can't tell the make), with a roll-player unit on top. I used to know the name of the fellow who made these roll-player units, but I've forgotten.
I have no idea WHAT the heck the piano is at 09:33! It looks like some kind of Peerless, with a Player Piano Co. rollframe playing Coinola "O" rolls that was added later.
09:36 appears to be a very early and rare electronic piano or organ. (1930s? 1940s?).
(please play the Western Electric O the next time you visit... it looks superbly restored and probably sounds terrific! I'd love to visit this collection but am on the West Coast, and have no idea when I can make it to the East Coast next). At 15:09 is a Western Electric "A" or "J" (probably "A"). At 15:15 is a Western Electric "S". At 15:19 is a BEAUTIFUL Wurlitzer Bijou Orchestra. Please play this one too! At 15:48 is a Seeburg "L" orchestrion. Good close-up of the CX roll changer in action!
@petermackett37 This is just one room, There is also the room with all the band organs and another romm with over 100 cars., then the roll room
HEY... I was just getting into it and you cut me off !. I heard Valley Forge. Where are you, are you in Pennsylvania? Great museum, Where is this place?
It's called American treasure tours in oaks PA. Over 200 machines, 80 old cars, hundreds of automated figures and tons and tons of other things.
If you're near Endwell NY, we will be there with one of our largest organs for a band organ rally
St. Louis blues......
Where is tis at? Id like to go see it in person.
We are just next to Valley Forge PA on the eastern part of PA, see our website American Treasure Tours We have over 200 machines and old cars
Where is this place?
Eastern Pennsylvania Town of Oaks, next to Valley Forge and King Of Prussia