American Rare Mahogany Violano Virtuoso by Mills Novelty Co.

Designated by the U.S. Government as one of the “Eight Greatest Inventions of the Decade” for 1910-1920, the Violano Virtuoso is a remarkable marriage of music and mechanical ingenuity. Manufactured by the Mills Novelty Company of Chicago, it combines a violin and keyboardless piano, engineered to perform simultaneously in surprisingly rich, expressive harmony.

Behind the glass, a series of electromagnets plays the violin by stopping the strings and operating the bowing mechanism, while the piano accompaniment sounds from the strings arranged above it. Originally designed for coin operation, the instrument plays from perforated paper rolls similar to a player piano. The visible mechanisms make the performance all the more fascinating, allowing the listener to watch as this complex musical arrangement unfolds.

This example is housed in a handsome Honduran mahogany cabinet and retains its original mechanical system, including the paper-roll mechanism concealed behind the lower doors. A modern MIDI system has also been incorporated, allowing you to select an extensive digital music library wirelessly via a tablet.

Fully restored and accompanied by a one-year warranty, this Violano Virtuoso remains as captivating today as when it was over 100 years ago. This wonderful music machine is an incredible example of the ambition, ingenuity, and entertainment technology of the early 20th century.

64″ High x 44″ Wide x 31″ Deep

Circa 1920