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Morphy’s presents ultimate collection of coin-op mechanical music machines June 20-21

Catherine Saunders-Watson
Catherine Saunders-Watson
mechanical music
Mills Novelty Co., bow-front Violano-Virtuoso, fully restored to perfection by Robert Loeffler. Perfectly tuned piano and violin. Comes with six rolls. Fewer than 20 of these machines are known. Estimate $100,000-$150,000

DENVER, Pa. – The exhilarating sounds of pipe organs, violins and a multitude of percussion instruments fill Morphy Auctions’ gallery in the countdown to a sensational Coin-Op & Antique Advertising sale slated for June 20-21. The main attraction is a private collection that Morphy Auctions founder and president Dan Morphy describes as “the best and most significant offering of mechanical and coin-operated music, vending and gambling machines ever to pass through our doors.” Additionally, the two-day event boasts an impressive lineup of antique advertising items whose quality and rarity are second to none. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Alongside antique music machines, Morphy’s will offer peerless selection of rare and beautiful vending machines, and antique advertising

If there had been Grammy Awards in 1905-06, the top prize surely would have gone to the Mills Novelty Company’s Violano-Virtuoso. An incredible entertainer, its rich and stirring sound comes from two mechanical violins with accompanying piano that perform according to which music roll is chosen. Meticulously restored to its original condition, the Violano-Virtuoso was designated “one of the greatest scientific inventions of its age” by the US government. Auction estimate: $50,000-$80,000.

mechanical music
Mills Deluxe Violano-Virtuoso, first released circa 1905-06, oak case, fastidiously restored to its original condition. Comes with keys and four rolls. Estimate $50,000-$80,000

Double upright slot machines like the Mills “Twin Chicago” with musical attachment don’t appear in the marketplace very often. Accepting quarters on one side and nickels on the other, the double-slot machine was designed as a boon to operators who could offer customers two gambling machines for one operating license. The example in Morphy’s sale is in wonderful original condition, even retaining its original music box. It “pays and plays,” and is expected to reach $60,000-$90,000 on auction day.

mechanical music
Mills ‘Twin Chicago’ double upright slot machine that accepts both quarters (‘Two Bits’) and nickels, with musical attachment. All original from top to bottom and inside out. Estimate $60,000-$90,000

Another ornate beauty, known as “The Victor,” was manufactured in 1906 by Victor Novelty Works. The musical 25-cent upright slot machine is lavishly embellished with hand carving on the oak case, nickel-plated adornments, and brightly colored glue-chip front glass. One of the nicest of all known examples, it is estimated at $50,000-$70,000.

mechanical music
Very rare Victor Novelty Works musical 25-cent upright slot machine known as ‘The Victor,’ 1906, brightly colored glue-chip front glass. One of the best of all known examples. Estimate $50,000-$70,000Very rare Victor Novelty Works musical 25-cent upright slot machine known as ‘The Victor,’ 1906, brightly colored glue-chip front glass. One of the best of all known examples. Estimate $50,000-$70,000

A mechanical marvel of its time, a very rare 5-cent Multi-Phonograph equipped with a 24-play cylinder was made around 1915 by the Multi-Phonograph Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is an earlier version that plays 2-minute as opposed to 4-minute records. An excellent, fully functional example, it carries a $50,000-$100,000 estimate.

mechanical music
Extremely rare 5-cent Multi-Phonograph made by Multi-Phonograph Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan, circa 1915. Early version that plays 2-minute records. Estimate $50,000-$100,000

A J.P. Seeburg Style “H” Orchestrion, whose harmonious instruments include a piano, bass and snare drums; a rank of flute and violin pipes; xylophone, cymbal, castanets and more, was made during the first quarter of the 20th century. The versatile music-maker spent most of its life at the famed Crystal Saloon in Virginia City, Nevada. It underwent professional restoration in 2011 and is ready to play. Estimate $60,000-$90,000

mechanical music
J.P. Seeburg Style “H” Orchestrion with a medley of musical instruments including piano, flute and violin pipes; xylophone, drums, additional percussion. Made first quarter of 20th century. Ex collection of Crystal Saloon in Virginia City, Nevada. Estimate $60,000-$90,000

The star of the show may well be the breathtaking Mills bow-front Violano-Virtuoso (shown at top of page) that Morphy Auctions Coin-Op, Gambling & Mechanical Music Specialist Tom Tolworthy describes as being “in a league of its own.” Housed in a superb quartered-oak cabinet, the machine was scrupulously restored last year – right down to the screws – by Robert Loeffler, a renowned restorer who is respected throughout the hobby. “Fewer than 20 of these majestic machines are known today, and this one stands out as one of the best. I don’t see how it could be improved upon,” Tolworthy said. Accompanied by six rolls and all of its keys, it comes to auction with a $100,000-$150,000 estimate.

mechanical music
Regina 9ft Style 3 tall-case clock, Seth Thomas striking movement, penny slot to play choice of music as desired. ‘The Bowers Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments’ refers to only one extant example. Estimate $30,000-$60,000

There is no way to overuse the word “rare” in describing this auction’s many highlights. It certainly applies to a Regina Style 3 tall-case clock (shown above) with a Seth Thomas striking movement and penny slot allowing for a choice of music to be played whenever desired. At a towering 9ft tall, and housed in an elaborately detailed oak cabinet, it will convey to its new owner with several ready-to-play music discs. Estimate $30,000-$60,000

mechanical music
One-cent Novelty Cigar Co. ‘Lion’ peanut vending machine distributed by A. Marx & Co., regarded by many as the ultimate of all ‘tall-globed’ peanut machines. All original. Depicted in ‘Silent Salesman Too’ by Bill Enes. Estimate $15,000-$20,000

Vending machines that dispense gum, snacks, cigars, perfume, or even one’s fortune on a card have captured the public’s imagination since the late-19th century. Morphy’s will offer 95 top-notch antique vending machines in the April 25-26 sale, including many great rarities. A one-cent Novelty Cigar Co., “Lion” peanut vending machine (distributed by A. Marx & Co.), regarded by many as the ultimate “tall-globed” peanut machine, is in all-original condition and estimated at $15,000-$20,000. In perfect working order, a Pulver’s Kola-Pepsin one-cent gum-vending machine with a Foxy Grandpa character behind its glass carries a $10,000-$15,000 estimate. Both machines are depicted in the respected reference Silent Salesman Too by Bill Enes.

mechanical music
Pulver’s Kola-Pepsin one-cent gum-vending machine, painted tin, Foxy Grandpa character. Works perfectly. Depicted in ‘Silent Salesman Too’ by Bill Enes. Estimate $10,000-$15,000

It will only cost a penny to learn what the future holds according to the feline clairvoyant Puss in Boots, who tells fortunes in an arcade machine patented in 1896. One of only a small number of original examples still in existence, this very rare and coveted relic of the early amusement park era is estimated at $50,000-$90,000.

mechanical music
Original Roovers one-cent Puss in Boots fortune teller arcade machine, 1896 patent, dispenses card with fortune. One of only a small number of original examples known to exist. Estimate $50,000-$90,000

Antique advertising has been one of Morphy Auctions’ recognized specialties since the company first opened for business in 1997. Bidders can always count on finding something they’ve never seen before in a Morphy’s sale, like a turn of the 20th century Owl Cigar Store reverse-on-glass sign measuring 80¼ by 30 3/8 inches. Possibly the only known example, it has a $20,000-$30,000 estimate.

mechanical music
Owl Cigar Store reverse-on-glass sign, turn of the 20th century, original brass frame, 80¼ x 30 3/8 inches. Possibly the only known example. Estimate $20,000-$30,000

Another prized entry is the artistically exceptional cardboard poster with an avian theme that advertises U.S. Cartridge Co.’s black shotgun shells. Ideally suited to an advanced firearms memorabilia collection, it’s aiming for a top bid of $10,000-$15,000.

mechanical music
Gorgeous cardboard poster from U.S. Cartridge Co., advertises black shotgun shells and depicts hawk attacking teal drake. Size: 39½ x 28¼in. Very clean and attractive. Estimate $10,000-$15,000

Morphy’s June 20-21, 2020 Coin-Op & Antique Advertising Auction will start at 10 a.m. Eastern Time each day. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers. Questions: call 877-968-8880 or email info@morphyauctions.com. Online: www.morphyauctions.com.

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