Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. (North Tonawanda, New York)

Among large models of Wurlitzer band organs, the Style 157 is a rare prize. An idea of its elusive nature can be gained from the fact that Hathaway & Bowers, Inc. and its successor, American International Galleries, in the 1960s and 1970s handled only one of these, in comparison to three of the large Style 165.

The Wurlitzer Style 157 organ was only produced during the 1920s for use in carousels, amusement parks and pavilions, as well as other public entertainment places. Rolls were made of green dry-waxed paper in order to withstand the humidity changes encountered in environments partially open to the outdoors. The case is oak-veneered, with a white enameled façade, elaborately carved and decorated in gold leaf with inset paintings of landscapes. This example, serial number 3639, was delivered new in March 1924 to Spillman Engineering Co. of New York and may have been sold with a carousel made by that firm.

Subsequent owners have included Paul Torin of New Rochelle, New York and Mike Ames of Solana Beach, California, from whom it was acquired in 1998. The late Mike Kitner, band organ expert of Pennsylvania, restored it in the 1980s. It plays Wurlitzer 165 rolls on duplex (double roll) mechanisms, made so one roll can play while the other rewinds, eliminating long periods of silence that occur when an organ has only one roll mechanism. A large number of rolls are included. Instrumentation includes 208 pipes, bass and snare drums, triangle and cymbal. The favorite carousel organ of many collectors and enthusiasts, the acquisition of such an instrument will not be possible again soon, as no more than 10 are known to exist today. 150x105x44 inches.