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MMD > Archives > September 2006 > 2006.09.12 > 01Prev  Next


Ehrlich's Musik Automat
By Mike Moran

Hello,  Would anyone have information about a disc-playing machine,
probably 40 cm, that is in a tall cabinet such as Polyphon and
Symphonion produced, measuring 162 cm high x 52 cm wide by 41 cm deep.

It has an upper and lower door, the upper door with a pressed metal
design.  On the upper pelmet is written "Orchestrion" and below that
"Ehrlich's Musik Automat".

The bad news is that it's missing the mechanism, the case has been
painted green, and the case is missing the two door columns that
I presume it should have.  It's sitting, awaiting a buyer, in a
friend's cellar, and before I part with the $$ (the last thing I need
is a white elephant in my workroom!), it would be very useful to know
what mechanism was inside originally, and if the pressed metal door
had a complicated design painted on it.

In Bowers' Encyclopedia there is a small reference to another Ehrlich
(not Paul) who manufactured and sold mechanical music instruments
around 1900 -- so it could be an Ehrlich-made case with Polyphon or
Symphonion mechanics?  The decorative coin slot is still present, as
well as a brass plate in German asking for 10 pfennig.  Any assistance
would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,
Mike Moran
Basel

P.S.: Sometimes the mind boggles at what people do.  The cabinet is
painted a greenish color, which when stripped away brought a white
paint layer, then a grey layer, then turquoise, then another white,
and eventually down to a very impressive walnut.  From the shape of
the cabinet I was expecting Symphonion or Polyphon.  Anyway, it was
an archeological experience!  I will post a few pics as it may help.


(Message sent Tue 12 Sep 2006, 07:53:02 GMT, from time zone GMT.)

Key Words in Subject:  Automat, Ehrlich's, Musik

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