Ludwig Hupfeld AG (Böhlitz-Ehrenberg, Germany)

One of two such examples in the Milhous Collection, it is estimated that only about 85 such Phonoliszt-Violinas survive worldwide, a number of which are permanently ensconced in museums. As of 2012, there are perhaps a dozen or so such instruments in American collections, where they are highly prized. In Europe a Phonoliszt-Violina is represented in each of the large public and national museums, including in Utrecht (Holland), London, and Bruchsal (Germany).

This Phonoliszt-Violina was acquired in Lyon, France for the Brown Collection and comes with an interesting set of paperwork, including a display certificate by the French Minister of Culture approving its export to the USA. It was sold new by Hupfeld distributor Aurand-Wirth. At the time of the World War in 1914, all German markings were removed from it, due to German-French hostilities, but the dealer's name remained. Instrumentation includes a fine-quality Rönisch piano and three violins, which play with realistic expression from pneumatic mechanisms. It plays Phonoliszt-Violina music rolls, which play the piano and violins, and from Phonoliszt expression piano rolls, which play the piano only. Following acquisition a restoration was performed by Thomas Jansen at the Musikwerkstatt Monschau, Germany. This example is one of only two known to have a "tiger stripe" mahogany original case and is quite striking when first viewed. This example includes a nice library of over 25 original and re-cut Phonoliszt-Violina rolls, plus a selection of Phonoliszt piano rolls.

In an interview with Dave Bowers in the 1960s, Farny Wurlitzer was asked what instruments he would enjoy having in his private home in North Tonawanda, given a choice of anything and everything. He said he would like a regular foot-pumped player piano, as they were such a delight, and also a Phonoliszt-Violina, considering the latter to be the most important automatic musical instrument of all time. Such is the significance of this instrument, of which there are remarkably two examples in the Milhous Collection. Outstanding condition, following a Thomas Jansen restoration in late 1990s. 68x94x38 inches.