This is neat. It's a PlaRola organ from the 1940s. Although it looks as though you play it by blowing into like a Rolmonica I think that's not right. Instead turning the crank creates a vacuum and then the holes in the paper rolls allows air to escape. I could be wrong though.
This one came with its original box and five original music rolls - Home Sweet Home, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Happy Days are Here Again, Way Down Upon the Swannee River and Silent Night.
It sold for $128 (US) and in doing a bit of research about these I discovered that you can still buy music rolls for these and all sorts of other 'organettes'. It also uses the same size music roll as the PlayaSax featured on Squeezytunes back in March.
Previously on Squeezytunes: PlayaSax
Link: Music Rolls available from Schmidt's Music Rolls
I just purchased on ebay a Melody Player -a 16 note crank organette.
In research (after receiving the Melody Player), I saw pictures of your PlaRola.
Very nice. I shall be on the lookout for one like it to add to my collection of mechanical musical instruments.
Thanks, Kermit C. Raydon, Jr. Louisville, KY
Posted by: Kermit C. Raydon, Jr. | February 14, 2008 at 05:32 AM
I have 1 almost like this not sure but it might be a little bit older then the 1 in the picture i have 2 rolls and the original box
tho the box of mine has no water stains it was very well taken care of i'am looking to sell . its a nice find very good condition
the paper inside is riped a little {still plays} but the other is mint still in boxs and i have the boxs to the 1 inside . if anyone would like info email me at [email protected]
Posted by: Kyle Gregory | May 02, 2008 at 01:25 AM