Hello MMD readers,  I am writing to ask if anyone has information about
the late Michael L. Kitner's (1944-2000) RCA Theremin(s). I recently
purchased a 1929 RCA Theremin (#200082) which I believe was formerly
owned by him.

A piece of paper accompanying the instrument named Michael L. Kitner
as the former owner of the instrument and the "theremin dealer", along
with the address of his music shop. To me this suggests he owned the
instrument, sold it to somebody else (who wrote his details down),
and it was then sold at auction by Cordier's Auction House last year.
I'd like to track down additional provenance details for Westinghouse
RCA #200082 so this information can be added to the theremin registry.

You can see some images of the instrument at the following registry
entry: https://www.rcatheremin.com/registry.php#!200082  Note the
distinctive "AEOLIAN" decal.

Can anyone provide any further information on Mr. Kitner and his
theremin(s)? I'd be particularly interested to determine how he came to
acquire the particular instrument, and where it went after he died.

An article was published by him in the October 1990 edition of Antique
Radio Classified concerning an RCA Theremin. I am not sure this is the
same instrument and there are a few details that make me wonder if in
fact the two are different. If anyone has a copy of the publication
(original or higher resolution), perhaps they could check to see if the
AEOLIAN decal appears, or send them my way?

I am seeking this information with a view to updating the data at
http://rcatheremin.com/  This is a comprehensive registry of known
RCA theremins which includes historic provenance information. I wrote
to MMD because I understand that Mr. Kitner was connected with its
subscribers.

You can hear what the instrument sounds like here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDlgvMTgiI4
 

With best wishes, and many thanks for your attention,

Charlie Draper
http://www.charliedraper.co.uk/ 
info@charliedraper.co.uk.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]

 [ Aeolian theremin
 [ https://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/20/10/24/201024_173407_200082_01.jpg
 

 [ Bill Black wrote to Charlie, "I don't know who bought
 [ the instrument which Mike had so I can't help."
 [ MMD articles about the theremin are indexed at
 [ https://www.mmdigest.com/Archives/KWIC/T/theremin.html 
 [ See also "The Pianola and the Theremin: A Strange Combination"
 [ at http://www.wiscasset.net/artcraft/oldnews4.htm 
 [ -- Robbie