Mechanical Music Through the Ages

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

Christopher Gerock Chamber Organ 1820 – (UK)

Christopher Gerock was born in Weinsberg, Germany in 1772 and was living in London by 1795. He was naturalised by an Act of Parliament in 1804 and established business premises at 76 Bishopsgate, Within London. He was a well known maker of wind instruments of all kinds and many examples of his rosewood flutes and clarinets exist in music museums around the world, as well as a music seller and publisher. His chamber organs are considered second to none. The organ below is a 20 note variety with 16 notes for organ and two each for drums and triangle. The organ has a diapason, principal and the inclusion of a twelfth and fifteenth stop for added warmth and harmony. The barrels are pinned for 10 tunes, it being supplied with four barrels when new, of which only 3 survive today.