Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments
Description:
Coin-operated Mills Novelty Violano Virtuoso, no. 3002, Chicago, Illinois, early 20th century, mahogany case with full-length carved capital columns flanking the beveled glass bi-fold upper doors, and lower paneled doors, piano soundboard marked Mills Novelty Chicago Ill USA Pat June 4 1912 in red, original transfer decorated decal on piano rail, G, D, E, and A tuning buttons, and shot-filled counterweights, violin marked 3301 on neck, lower section housing the original roll drive, start/rewind switch, and later transformer, includes thirty-two player rolls, The Story of the Violano-Virtuoso, and Salesman's Manual for the Violano-Virtuoso pamphlets, ht. 64, wd. 43, dp. 30 3/4 in.
Estimate $8,000-12,000
needs cleaning, adjustmenst, tuning, some veneer work at case bottom.
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
ChicagoJonathan Dowling
Director, Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments
508-970-3131
Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments
From early timekeeping devices to precision regulators, the Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments department covers centuries of invention and function with trusted appraisals and world-competitive auctions.