Mechanical Music Through the Ages

A collection of Mechanical Music and Arcade Machines – highlighting examples of the development in mechanical entertainment over time.

Child’s/Missionary Organ 1895 – (UK)

This is quite an elaborate small barrel organ which plays 6 different hymns from a removable, pinned wooden barrel. Having a playable keyboard makes this a somewhat unique instrument, which is further enhanced by the addition of a button just above the keyboard which is pulled out for dual reeds and pushed in for single reed performances and foot impelled bellows. The tonal contrast makes for interesting listening. This would have been an expensive version  in its day and is particularly gaze worthy with it side candelabras, brass carrying handles and folding music rest.