Because of the historical importance of the Welte Style 3 Cottage
Orchestrion, which since 1908 has been located in Zaharako's
Confectionery in Columbus, Indiana, and was therefore the only Welte
orchestrion known to have remained in its original commercial location,
I wanted news of the sale of this machine to be made available to
members of the MMD community.

The Welte orchestrion was sold on February 28, 2006, and has been
transported to the restorer's facility.  The buyer is Dana Bashor,
a prominent California businessman who is an active collector of
mechanical music instruments.

On behalf of Mr. Bashor I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the
entire Zaharako family for the thoughtful and meaningful manner in
which the transaction was handled.  The Zaharako family was concerned
from the outset that this important piece of mechanical music history
be entrusted  to someone who would treasure it and would seek its
restoration to the highest standards of workmanship and conservation
practices.

Kevin F. Kline

 [ See the article by Rick Inzero and a postcard photo at
 [ http://mmd.foxtail.com/Pictures/zaharako.html
 [ -- Robbie