Very Rare American "Violano-Virtuoso"by Mills Novelty in Superb Condition

Live Auction

5'4"h. x 3'8"w. x 2'7"d. In a handsome mahogany case retaining its original finish,are beveled-glass doors that open to reveal a horizontal violin and the upper part of the piano. The model was designed to go into action at the drop of a nickel coin. The bottom half of the cabinet contains the original AC/DC converter motor,the spool-box for playing the music rolls,and the coin collection box. Included are six original paper rolls with an average of five tunes apiece. There is an added hidden digital player system (that can be removed if desired without any sacrifice to the originality of the instrument) and that includes a library of more than 30 additional tunes. Condition: generally excellent,the cabinet is beautifully preserved and the mechanical works function perfectly creating a wonderful strong musical sound. Comments: Mills Novelty Co,of Chicago,serial #897,circa 1920,with original label of the maker visible inside "By P.C. Poulsen,Violin Maker of Mills Novelty Co,Chicago". The loftiest idea in the mechanical music field was to develop a self-playing violin. Henry K. Sandell developed a unique system for the Mills firm during the first decade of the 20th century. In 1909 his prototype was chosen by the Patent Office as one of the greatest U.S. inventions and chosen to be exhibited at the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition. In 1912 the design was finally patented. It was specifically designed for "arcades,parks and pleasure resorts",and Mills boasted that its nickel playing price would soon cover the initial investment,so popular would be the Violano-Virtuoso". About 4500 were produced between 1912 and 1930; less than 900 are known to exist and very few are in this fine condition. One other example is at the Murtogh D. Guinness Collection at the Morris Museum.