Fairground organ ”Wurlitzer” model 146-A
Fairground organ ”Wurlitzer” model 146-A
USA, Cincinnati
1916-1939
Rudolph Wurlitzer Company
Wood, metal, leather, plexiglas; casting, carpentry, lathing, wood carving
138 x 80 x 178 cm
Receiver is stamped: "472"
Organ in wooden veneered and varnished case on pedestal, with corner feet. The figured facade front panel is decorated with the composition of onlay arc-shaped elements, painted brown with golden shades on light background. Lilac and pink flowers complement the composition. Pilasters with column caps, formed by combinations of red-violet arcs with golden ribbons and lilac flowers are on the façade sides. Window that opens a view to the set of wooden trumpet and flue pipes is in the center. Ornately shaped pads with painted river landscapes are symmetrically located on the façade bottom part. Winter landscape, with a house is on the right, spring landscape with a small water mill is on the left. The manufacturer’s name in combination with golden curls is on the arc-shaped pediment: "Wurlitzer”. Two handles for carrying are fixed on the sides. Three sliders’ round handles and two pneumatic fittings for driving a large drum and a cymbal are on the right side. Lever of the drive mechanism, the speed control knob and the fitting drive connector are on the left. There are two drums, large and small with a string, designed for installation on the side consoles. A flywheel of the drive mechanism is mounted on the case rear side. Bellows, receiver, pneumatic system and driving mechanisms are behind a three-leaf door-screen. Two drive mechanisms operate in turn, which ensures the organ functioning without breaks and stops.
When the flywheel is rotated, the bellows are pushing air into the system; the roll is stretched over the wind chest of the drive mechanism. When the aperture in the roll matches with one of the forty-one apertures in the wind chest, the air under pressure enters the system and opens the pipe valves corresponding to this note, making them sound. Four additional apertures in the wind chest are designed for controlling percussion instruments. The organ is mounted on rectangular wooden platform on swivel wheels. Music media: paper music roll, 150 mm wide.
Инв.1020/ММП