The Eakins "Memory Lane Special" was more than likely a Coinola CX
originally.  Original CO orchestrions did not have metal pipes.  They
had one rank of 24 note flute pipes like the C-2 and these same pipes
are also used in some Link Coin pianos but a larger playing range.  The
original CO did not have a special pipe enclosure.  They sat on a shelf
in the top of the instrument with the drums.  The CO in original form
is very rare with maybe 7 known to exist.

There are several reproductions around the country at this time.  Of
the three original ones that I have seen they all had the same insides
but different colors in the glass and one had a case more like a Repro-
duco on the sides.  The Eakins Special also had a modified pump from a
reproducing piano and not an original Coinola pump.  I was going to
send some pictures of original CO Coinolas to MMD but my hard drive is
full.  Check out some of the other pictures I have sent MMD on Coinola
with more on there way.

I have always liked Coinola pianos and have several original posters
along with some other literature.  The CO and SO are not on the 1919
price list but are on my 1924 price list.  I wish I had the price list
in between these two so we could establish when the CO and SO were
introduced.  The 1924 does not have some of the early Coinola models on
it such as the K model.  I have only seen one original K that Tom
Fretty sold to who knows about 15 years ago, that came from the Haning
and White collection.

Please contact me if you have any original pictures or literature on
Coinola.  I am always looking for more information.  They truly built
one of the best looking pianos ever sold.

Thanks
Don Teach

 [ Don sent a fabulous Coinola advertising poster which I'll place soon
 [ at the MMD Pictures site.  Watch "Coinola Advertising Postcards".
 [ -- Robbie