We have always considered and collected these commercial masks and helmets as industries tribal art. Examples can be elegant in their simplicity or bazaar and complex. They are always unique, suprising and filled with personality.
Hand Crank 1885 Concert Rollor Organ
This roller organ was most likely made by the Autophone Company in Ithaca, New York, around 1885-1899. It is a Concert 20-note model, with 20 reeds and a hinged glass front cover. This roller organ plays a metal-pin-studded wooden cylinder also called a “cob.” A hand crank activates the vacuum bellows and turns the cylinder. When a pin in the roller comes in contact with the hinged end of one of the organ valves it causes the valve to lift, allowing air into the reed chamber and sounding the desired note. Printed paper directions are attached to the inside of the rear cover. Accessioned with 4 wooden rolls. It will turn and play but I don’t recognize any of the music…. It still looks good on the shelf… 14″ x 18″ x 12.5″… $725
