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Vintage 1929 American Rolmonica with Music Rolls

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Music Memorabilia Start Price:75.00 USD Estimated At:150.00 - 300.00 USD
Vintage 1929 American Rolmonica with Music Rolls
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD IN “AS IS” CONDITION, WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. THE ITEMS OFFERED WERE ALL COLLECTED FOR THEIR DISPLAYABILITY, AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE IN WORKING CONDITION. Please call us at (818) 937-9399 or email us at blacksparrowauctions@gmail.com for condition reports or any general inquiry.
The Rolmonica, described in its advertising as "a player piano in your pocket", was an automatic harmonica that could play tunes via a small paper music roll. This fitted inside the unit and was turned by a crank handle at the side. It was one of a number of musical instruments apart from the player piano that was operated by a music roll and possibly the smallest of the instruments fitting in to this category. Originally patented in the USA in 1925 it was not until 1928 that it was patented again and actually put into production. By 1930 its sales seem to have been effected by the onset of the Depression as it was sold at reduced prices with a greater number of rolls. However, production of Rolmonicas appears to have continued well into the 1940s, although whether this was by the original company or not is uncertain. The Rolmonica is made of Bakelite, which has the significance of being the world's first synthetic plastic. The "retro" appeal of old Bakelite products and labor intensive manufacturing has made them quite collectible in recent years. Measures approximately 4" x 4". Comes with 3 music rolls and a 5.25" x 5.25" wooden box. Not tested for functionality. Otherwise, in very good condition. From the collection of Ken McMeans. 20% of the proceeds will benefit the Jeremy Wilson Foundation.