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MMD > Archives > March 1997 > 1997.03.25 > 03Prev  Next


Zilotone Player Toy
By Douglas Henderson

We have one of these musical toys, the Zilotone, at The Musical Wonder
House in Wiscasset, possibly made between 1915-1925.  The instrument is
a windup toy featuring a clown with a hammer and a small xylophone in a
semi-circle about him.  When the "Zilotone" plays, the clown turns right
and left, and strikes the selected notes, governed by the discs which are
in two-part: the underneath side is a cam, like zig-zag sewing machines
had for the stitch patterns.  The upper side, with the printed title, is
a toothed gear; the two metal pieces are joined by several rivets or the
like.

The Zilotone and its musical clown figure are made from highly coloured
(steel) metal (as are the discs) and are joined much like the old Marx
toys, with tabs to connect the halves together.  When properly regulated
the instrument plays very well, musically -- unusual, since this was sold
as a toy and not as an adult's instrument.  We have about 8-10 discs for
our Zilotone, as I recall, and it gave good service during the decades I
was the Tour Guide at the museum during the Summer months.

I can't recall the manufacturer, but Wyandotte PA sticks in my mind; tho'
it could have been the memory of my suction cup gun of the early '40s!

Regards, Douglas



(Message sent Tue, 25 Mar 1997 22:58:22 -0500 , from time zone -0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Player, Toy, Zilotone

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