For the most part, a reproduction mechanical music machine is NOT an investment. Do not be lulled into complacency by a cheap price. Very few reproductions go up in value or hold their value. Also you have to be very careful in your research of such instruments. Many reproductions are built poorly. They simply are not up to the quality of the original instruments. Beware of instruments that are heavily converted [...]
What do you think about buying mechanical instruments from Internet auction sites? Caveat Emptor! or Let the buyer beware! I have watched items being sold on internet auction sites for several years now. I have seen many items that are over-described with reproduced or missing parts and displayed with poor pictures. Also some items are NEVER meant to be sold and are used as lost leaders to attract the viewer. Then [...]
This is a picture from the Gavioli fairground organ catalog. I purchase original catalogs of mechanical musical instrument manufacturers for my business archive. This rare catalog was purchased from the granddaughter of the famous street organ builder, Carl Frei. If you have any such catalogs or original literature you would like to sell, please contact me!