September 9 & 10, 2022 The Henri Krijnen Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2022
In the year 1909, with a few hundred dollars, the organization that later was to grow into the Automatic Musical Instrument Company was formed. The assets of the company consisted of 1 automatic electric piano and 2 applications for U.S. patents (then not yet allowed) for a selecting device, by which any desired music roll contained in a magazine could be played. Unlike other mechanical piano companies of the time that sold their machines to business and shop proprietors, The National Automatic Music Co. did not sell their machines, but placed them on location within a revenue sharing contract, and took on the responsibility of servicing and changing music rolls weekly upon the company. A daunting undertaking, when you consider that by 1925 they had 4,000 pianos on location. By 1931, the company took on the task of disposing of all the then useless coin pianos that were being replaced with the company's new automatic phonograph. Most pianos were then in storage and the company sold the pianos to the storage facility for back fees, and the pianos were then salvaged for their motors and burned to extract all metal parts. It is amazing that this example survived. Beautiful restored quartered oak, complete mechanical restoration, and featuring an "Automatic Whippet Race", which was retrofitted on some refurbished pianos late in production to offer another entertainment feature. CONSIDERATIONS: With signature 8 slot coin entry plate, working automatic roll mechanism, and fully operational Whippet race feature, this example would be a standout in any mechanical music collection. Includes 18 music rolls.
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.Condition: (Excellent).
Item Dimensions: 59 - 1/2" x 29 - 1/4" x 55".