June 20-21, 2020 Coin-Op & Advertising
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/20/2020
The Encore Automatic Banjo is today one of the most interesting automatic musical instruments ever produced. A real banjo, automatically operated by tiny mechanical "fingers" and playing in a very realistic manner, makes the Encore Banjo a fascinating piece of American musical ingenuity. The history of the Auto-Manufacturing Co. which was founded roughly in 1896, with the first instruments showing up in 1897, is a sketchy history at best. In the end, the majority of the Encores were produced in New York City in the factory located at 227 Bleecker St. and company headquarters for the American Automatic Company at 53 Broadway. There were several other Encore distributors in the eastern states, which brings us to this particular Encore Banjo, clearly marked on the back for the American Auto-Banjo Company of New Jersey. What is known about the Encore is that the Deansboro Musical Museum which operated in upstate New York for over 50 years, acquired the Encore in the 1940's. It resided in the museum until 1997 when it was deaccessioned privately before the museum was sold at auction in 1998. It was then acquired by a private collector where it has been in his collection until this auction. The serial number to this Encore is H5. There are several documents available of lists of Encores on location by serial number, but nothing close to this has surfaced. It was believed that this Encore sat in the lobby of the offices at 53 Broadway, and has a stamp in the back wood panel that states "SHOP NO. H5 FOR USE IN THE STA". This Encore was restored mechanically by the museum, but retains the original finish and is equipped with an original Encore banjo. It needs tuning, but plays well and comes with a couple of rolls. The quartered oak cabinet is solid, has some signs of use and wear after 120 years, however, it has a great aged look and beautiful patina. Has keys.
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.Condition: (Excellent).
Item Dimensions: 25 - 1/2" x 78" x 25".