lUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS - Please support publication ...

Although it is difficult to portray the "feel" of a music box with
print and photo we've done our best here to try to convince you
that here is a gem, a prize piece!
Measurements of the Chordephon are: 2'9" wide, 2'5" deep, and 8"
high. The ideal place to keep it would be on a wooden table by itself. It
is quite "photogenic" - the bright gold work of the zither contrasts
nicely with the claret color of the mahogany.
This identical instrument was a featured attraction at the 1969
convention of the Musical Box Society of Great Britain. The instrument
has been restored and refinished and is ready to take its place in the
finest collectio n.
You have our word that you'll share our enthusiasm for this rare,
interesting, and - above all - very listenable instrument! $1995.00
(Stock No. CHO-4058)
"LE GLADIATOR" MECHANICAL DULCIMER
From one of America's finest private collections comes this attractive
example of the mechanical dulcimer (or, perhaps, "mechanical
mandolin" would be a better description). The instrument has 30 keys
or playing notes which are struck by re-iterating piano hammers. The
result is a strumming loud mandolin-like tone.
Such instruments were made in a variety of styles, the best known
being the "Piano Melodico" (also fancifully called the "Piano
Orchestrion") which was mass marketed circa 1890·1900.
The present example dates from an earlier era. Named "Le
Gladiator," a title incised on the lid in gracefully flowing script, the
instrument appears to be of French origin. It was probably made circa
1870 - 1890.
The interesting appearance and brilliant
mandolin-like music of "Le Gladiator"
will make it an attraction.
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It uses folding cardboard music books, a large supply of which are
with it. These can be stored on a convenient shelf under the instrument.
As the book passes over the key frame tiny metal fingers protrude
through the holes in the book and cause the designated notes to sound.
When sounding each note is repealing or vibrating constantly ­
producing a continuous mandolin-like effect. The instrument contains
wound piano strings for the bass notes and steel strings for the treble.
Measurements are 2'8" high, 2'11" wide, and 1'6" deep. To operate
properly Le Gladiator will need adjustment and regulation of the key
frame and striking mechanism and recovering of the feed rollers which
pull the music book through the frame. The case is of light walnut and
could profitably use some wood filling and refinishing.
An instrument of similar nature but of different make is one of the
permanent attractions to be seen and heard at Frank Holland's British
Piano Museum in London. It is quite musical and interesting.
This instrument will probably sell quickly at our net of just $595.00
(Stock No. GLA-4063)
UPRIGHT MECHANICAL DULCIMER
This is one of the earliest collectible mechanical musical instruments.
Dating from the early 19th century, such mechanical dulcimers were
popular in American and European homes more thana hundred years
ago.
Open anc closed views of the upright mechanical dulcimer. This was
the latest in home entertainment during Civil War days!
The operating principle of this mechanical dulcimer is simple and is
quite like the common barrel piano. As the pinned wooden cylinder
turns the projections cause the piano hammer, (which are made of
wood for a brilliant tone) to lift back and then fall against the st.rings.
The barrel contains a number of different tunes of interesting variety.
There are 22 hammers, each of which strikes two piano strings.
Measurement.s of the mechanical dulcimer are: 3' high, 1'4" wide,
and 1'1" deep. It works well with an easy action. Even a young child
can play it' It sounds nice and has a charming street piano-like tone.
Just 5795.00 (Stock No. ANT-4068)