April 29, 1995

Fellow AMI addicts:

I guess it's appropriate to introduce myself to the group before asking 
a bunch of questions.  My interest in AMI is one I've been trying to 
shake for years.  Unsuccessfully.  I started collecting in about 1967.  
Like many I began with an upright player -- beautifully restored by Dick 
Carty of Inglewood, CA.  Since high school days (the fifties) I had been 
fascinated by a collection of instruments located in -- get this, a 
funeral home belonging to the grandfather of a classmate. Occasionally, 
we'd sneak in and he'd agree to play some of his grandfather's 
instruments for me provided I would next do what he enjoyed: looking at 
the stiffs and waiting for them to move their arms and fingers.

Some ten years after I graduated, the kid's grandfather offered the 
collection to me at a price I could afford.  My favorite piece was a 
double Violano which had a selection of rolls featuring (you guessed it) 
hymns.  Also included was a single Violano, an upright, triple disc, 
coin-op Polyphon, an assortment of music boxes, and a Seeburg KT 
orchestrion.  Over a period of another ten years, I added phonographs, a 
band organ with a 40' facade, more nickelodeons, a Link, more 
nickelodeons, some reproducing pianos, a whole bunch of old penny arcade 
machines, and, and, and.  More than 100 pieces in all.

When it was time for the kids to go to college, I sold off a portion of 
the collection.  Later, when I got tired of having to go to a warehouse 
to look (and listen to them) -- and decided I wanted a sailboat, I sold 
more.  Bought a new house, sold more.  Recently, I've picked up one or 
two new old pieces to "refresh my memory" with.  I've forgotten much of 
what I once knew about all this stuff, and I've no idea of current 
prices.

Which brings me to a point I need some help on.  I am planning on moving 
within the next year and will not have room for some of the larger 
pieces.  I really don't want to store them so I will probably sell them. 
I would like to have some idea of the going price for two in particular. 
First, is an Ampico/Franklin baby grand circa 1925.  An older 
restoration, but well done and in good condition.  The case is medium 
brown mahogany and is an art deco design.  Finish is about an "8" on a 
scale of 10.  There are a few nicks on some corners.  The second item is 
a Wurlitzer circa 1905, 44 key upright nickelodeon with an oval, beveled 
glass front.  Size is about 42"w X 60"h X 18"d.  Also, an older 
restoration but in good shape.  The cabinet is also about an "8."  I 
also have some miscellanious stuff that I'd like to get some idea of 
current value:  An original leaded glass eagle for the Seeburg KT; 
Violano rolls plus some other misc nickelodeon rolls (I'll have to check 
type); some Symphonion discs -- probably about 20" in dia. in average 
condition.

Any information which would be helpful in establishing a current value 
on any of this will be appreciated.

Looking forward to catching up by following the Digest.  Thanks to Terry 
for referring me to "rollreq."

Regards to all,

Don Carr - Trabuco Canyon, California  ( dvimktg@ix.netcom.com )