The Traditional Collector

M. Welte & Söhne was an instrument production house that helped develop automatic instruments and orchestrions. Large organs that can synthesize the sound of other instruments, orchestrions have complex inner workings made of rolled paper and radiating pipes. During the mid-19th century, orchestrions became a status symbol and indicator of wealth. One of Welte’s orchestrions from 1886 is featured in the upcoming Traditional Collector auction hosted by John Moran Auctioneers. This piece mimics the sound of timpani, bass, and snare drums in addition to 84 octaves. 

Over 250 lots of Continental furniture, decorative art, and paintings are up for auction in this sale. Among the vintage and antique lots, a 1956 Bentley saloon car stands out. This English automobile features Empress doors, right-hand drive, and cut-out spats enclosing the rear wheels. The interior sports a wood dashboard and leather seats. Other key lots from this sale include an oil painting from Thomas Luny depicting a Dutch fleet of ships, a music box from the early 19th century with a singing bird inside, and several decorative French table clocks. Browse the catalog and register to bid on John Moran Auctioneers.