Readers may be interested to hear about a Style No. 3 Welte cottage
orchestrion, completely original, never been touched, which resides
in the British Isles and is owned by a large city council.  I have
known of this instrument for over 20 years and have been asked on two
occasions to quote for its restoration, as it has not been played for
probably 30 years.  The Style 3 is an early model, being weight driven,
and with about 70 rolls [pinned cylinders].  It is likely to have fine
voicing; the earlier models were not as raucous as later models.

I have had a special interest in Welte orchestrions all my life,
having learnt about them at a young age when I helped my father
restore an early Style 2 cottage orchestrion about 40 years ago.
(I have learnt recently that this was discovered to be the first roll
operated orchestrion made by Welte!  I believe it is in Switzerland
now, but am not sure).

My reason for 'coming out' about this particular instrument is that
I have been trying for years to acquire it but to no avail, as the
city council involved have "no plans to dispose of it".  Neither have
they any money to restore it!

It is a shame as when I last examined it four years ago there was
evidence of damage to the case by careless museum staff, and of
widespread rotting of internal leathers etc.  Also, it is extremely
dirty, and a probable health hazard in this respect.  Also, the
relevant authorities knew nothing about its value (they do now!) or
the fact that the weight was being used as a door stop(!), and many
other things, too.  It resides in the basement of a large museum but
is due to be moved to other storage soon; I don't think they even know
how to dismantle it.

I think it is sad that such a rare and beautiful instrument is in such
a state and is likely to remain so for a long time.  The particular
city council have managed to get a lot of information out of me about
the instrument over the years for nothing; they are now asking where
they could get grants for having it restored.  I think if it remains
untouched for another 10 years it will start to lose value and would be
a major restoration job.  Clearly the authorities don't understand how
it should be looked after.

Having indicated to them its possible value, they have said they would
like to have it restored and demonstrate it to the public.  Would any
MMDigest readers know of any possible sources for grants for its
restoration?

I am not prepared to disclose its location to general knowledge as
I believe there may be a 'gold rush' of prospective purchasers from
anywhere on the planet trying to get hold of it; this would undoubtedly
irritate the owners enormously.  But if any genuine person is
interested in more technical details about this instrument and would
like to learn more about it I would be happy to correspond by email.

Andrew Leach
West Sussex

 [ Dr. Leach restored a Model 79 Wilhelm Bruder Soehne organ
 [ found in original condition in East Germany, and more recently
 [ he and partner Tony Overington completed their big project,
 [ "The Leach & Overington 89-Key Concert Organ", described
 [ at http://mmd.foxtail.com/Tech/leach_L&O.html  -- Robbie