Wurlitzer Nickelodeon Player Piano

Originally built as a coin-operated player piano, this beautiful instrument is being restored and equipped with the Pianomation player system.

$33,000 after total restoration
(not including applicable sales tax & shipping charges)
Sold

Out of stock

SPECIFICATIONS
YEAR: 1920
FINISH: Quarter Sawn Oak
STATUS: Restored
DESCRIPTION

The Wurlitzer Piano Company was one of the largest and most successful piano manufacturers in American history. In the early 20th Century, Wurlitzer’s motto was “EVERYTHING MUSICAL”. The firm built a stunning array of player pianos, orchestrions, automated fairground organs, etc. which were sold internationally with huge success. Instruments by Wurlitzer were destined for harsh and constant use so these instruments were built with extreme durability in mind. These vintage Wurlitzer instruments are exceptionally well made instruments and they are highly sought after by collectors today.

This piano was originally a coin-operated “nickelodeon” piano, the forerunner of the classic Wurlitzer jukebox. By inserting a buffalo nickel in the slot, the piano would come alive and play a familiar tune for its patrons. With the illuminated stained glass panels and fast moving piano keys, the piano would have certainly seemed almost magical to folks at a time when electricity was still a novelty. It is fascinating to think that at one time in America that saloons, restaurants, and even houses of ill repute would have one of these beautiful nickelodeon pianos as its primary source of entertainment! At a nickel a tune, a proprietor could make quite a bit of money off of one of these machines.

This instrument is made of beautiful quarter sawn oak under the old deteriorated finish and is complimented by beautiful original stained glass panels. One can only imagine how beautiful this instrument will be once the it has been professionally restored!

This piano is being completely restored to like-new condition, inside and out. The original coin-operated player mechanisms were removed from the instrument many years ago, so this piano will be equipped with the Pianomation Player Mechanisms.

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