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Lot 730

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c. Early 1900s Mortier 115-Key Dance Organ

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OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Theofiel Mortier, S.A. (Antwerp, Belgium)

This exceptional dance organ was formerly in the collection of Roy Hofheinz, the former mayor of Houston who was important in obtaining the major league baseball franchise for Houston and building the Astrodome. Judge Hofheinz visited Hathaway & Bowers, Inc. in California, was impressed and determined then and there to buy what amounted to a world-class display of coin-operated pianos, orchestrions and organs! These were destined for the new Astroworld amusement complex. In time, the direction changed and the park went into other hands. This beautiful Mortier subsequently joined another Houston private collection before being acquired by the Milhous Collection and then restored and expanded by master organ specialist Johnny Verbeeck in Belgium.

The organ includes many ranks of pipes, brass trumpets, chimes and percussion, playing from 115-key cardboard music and a digital MIDI player. The wooden façade is stunningly restored, and the imposing stature of the instrument is simply awe-inspiring. It is presented in excellent condition with a dozen large cardboard books and a library of MIDI tunes. 432x228x60 inches.

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