General Antiques and Collectibles Spring Auction
Lot 104:
Description
C-17465
c. 1890s-1910s; Roller Organ Co. – Grand Rapids, Michigan Concert roller organ with original hand-crank mechanism, accompanied by a wooden shipping crate stenciled "Concert Roller Organ" and a large assortment of interchangeable pinned music rolls. The oak cased organ features an inlaid front panel with starburst motif and glass window revealing the internal reed action. Operated by turning the side crank, the organ plays melodies encoded onto the perforated wooden rolls, which mount on a horizontal spindle and trigger notes as they rotate. These organs were produced by the Roller Organ Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and sold widely through mail-order catalogs such as Sears, Roebuck & Co. from the late 19th through early 20th century. They provided affordable parlor entertainment before the phonograph became dominant. The included lot of rolls, with red-painted ends, reflects the wide repertoire once marketed for home use.
Tested, works as intended with included rolls. Finish shows wear consistent with age, including surface scratches, edge losses, and minor veneer lifting. Rolls display handling wear, and the crate bears stains and markings from long storage.
Organ: 20" W x 17" D x 13" H
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