A remarkable collection of historic barrel organs and pipe organs is set to take centre stage at Unique Auctions’ Antiques & Collectors Auction on Sunday, February 23, 2025. This exceptional line-up features rare and fully functional mechanical musical instruments, offering collectors and enthusiasts a unique opportunity to own a piece of musical history.
With origins tracing back to the Victorian era and the 19th century, these mechanical marvels once filled bustling streets, fairgrounds, and parlours with enchanting melodies. Now, these prized instruments will be up for auction, providing bidders with a chance to experience the charm and craftsmanship of these timeless musical artifacts.
Auction Highlights:
-
Victorian ‘Pennyano’ Penny in the Slot Pub/Street Barrel Organ – Manufactured by Keith Prowse & Co Ltd, London, this fascinating coin-operated instrument was a staple in Victorian pubs and street entertainment. Fully operational and with an estimate of £600-£800, this piece offers a tangible glimpse into 19th-century social life.
-
Late 19th-Century Cabinet Roller Organ by Autophone Co, New York – A beautifully crafted example of American ingenuity, this roller organ represents an era when mechanical music flourished in homes across the Atlantic.
Late 19th-Century Cabinet Roller Organ by Autophone Co -
19th-Century Table Artisan Organette – In working order and accompanied by sixteen 13″ discs, this compact yet impressive piece is estimated at £200-£300 and showcases the intricate craftsmanship of 19th-century musical engineering.
19th-Century Table Artisan Organette -
19th-Century Parlour Pipe Organ – Featuring functional bellows and a classic design, this elegant parlour instrument still plays, though it is missing three pipes. A true collector’s item, it serves as both a decorative piece and a playable relic of its time.
19th-Century Parlour Pipe Organ -
19th-Century 1/4 Scale Street Piano/Barrel Organ – This working model of a traditional street piano plays eight tunes and is a scaled-down version of the larger street organs once seen across European cities. Estimated at £500-£700, it is a must-have for collectors of mechanical music history.
19th-Century 1/4 Scale Street Piano/Barrel Organ
A Celebration of Mechanical Musical Mastery
This auction brings together a rare selection of historical musical instruments that celebrate the artistry and innovation of a bygone era. Barrel organs and pipe organs were once the lifeblood of public entertainment, drawing crowds with their lively tunes and intricate mechanisms. Today, they remain highly sought-after by collectors, restorers, and those with a passion for antique musical craftsmanship.
About Unique Auctions
Unique Auctions holds regular auctions featuring rare and unusual collections including Barrel Organs, Pipe Organs, Music Boxes etc. If you have any rare and unusual collections including Barrel Organs, Pipe Organs, Music Boxes etc you would like to sell please call 01522 690444.
Unique Auctions are one of Lincolnshire’s leading Auction Houses offering a range of regular Antique & Collectors sales. Unique Auctions handle every aspect of probate, house, agricultural, commercial and industrial clearances. For further information call UK +44 (0) 1522 690444 or visit https://www.unique-auctions.com
