M. Welte & Söhne (Freiburg, Germany)

The classical sound and soft voice (compared to a large theatre organ) of the Welte Philharmonic Organ made it very popular in both Europe and the U.S. Many were installed in large mansions to provide suitable dinner music for the wealthy owners and their guests. As such, all were custom built to the buyer's specifications, including this example, which was originally constructed for a private residence in France. It was later moved to Linz, Germany, where it was installed in the castle of the Fischer Collection.

Most similar organs played the 150-note rolls that play this instrument, which remains in superior condition after work by J. Verbeeck of Belgium in 1998. With 19 ranks of pipes and a metal bar harp, it can be played manually or with the reproducing Philharmonic rolls, over 1,000 of which are included with the organ. Very few intact Welte Philharmonic organs built in Freiburg with the Philharmonic roll players still exist. Over 1,000 historic music rolls are included.

This example truly deserves a new home where it will be appreciated for its important historical and musical value. The organ includes a beautiful console and bench, façade with display pipes, pipe chests, pipes, reservoirs, wind lines and blowers. Also included are posterboard photographs of various European organists including Professor Enrico Bossi, F.J. Breitenbach and Dr. Max Reger, as well as a posterboard photograph of a letter signed by Camille Saint-Saens.

The dimensions given here are for the façade including the depth of the console, but not the pipe chamber or blower. Please consult an RM specialist regarding dimensions of the entire organ. 190x138x55 inches.