Fall Classic - FRIDAY
Lot 2124:
Description
*NO SHIPPING – PICKUP OR THIRD PARTY TRANSPORT ONLY*
This impressive instrument in its elaborate wooden cabinet has its original finish and faux graining with decorative front panels one featuring an oil painting with plants and birds and the other with carved details with painted floral designs as well as the maker’s name and city of origin. The oil painting has evidence of being torn and repaired. The cabinet is in overall good condition considering its age however it does have several shrinkage cracks, evidence of wood worms (small holes, minor finish loss as well as nicks and abrasions from many years of use. It has a decorative top marquee with a paper insert under glass primarily with operating instructions. The back sounding board has several cracks and evidence of having been repaired. The large winding crank on the left side that winds the spring powered mechanism that drives a massive 14″ D wooden cob or barrel which is nearly 35″ L. Has piano and mandolin affects as well as 8 brass saucer bells. Operation is initiated with most likely a French coin of unknown denomination. Is currently on free play with a coin op override knob on the left side. The mechanism is in good working order and sounds surprisingly good. Cabinet measures 45″ W X 26″ D X 70″ T at the top of the marquee.
The maker of this machine, Amelotti, was located in Nice, France and produced many sorts of barrel pianos of good quality. Most likely dates from 1895-1900. Comes with interesting paperwork about the maker and the piano as well as the key to it.
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