Mechanical Music Through the Ages

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

Street Organ 48 Note – c1900 (UK)

This street organ plays cardboard books. It is very loud for playing inside, but sounds very good with its flute and piccolo voicing. The unit is currently running on about 6.5″ of water pressure – hence the loud music. The organ has a 1942 Pelham automated puppet show attached to the roof of the organ, as can be seen in the second photo. The puppet show depicts Hansel & Gretel.