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Rollmonica and Music Rolls [168857]

Currency:USD Category:Musical Instruments Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Rollmonica and Music Rolls  [168857]
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Very rare Rollmonica with 10 rolls of music in original boxes and 7 rolls without boxes. "The Rolmonica Music Company created this instrument by mounting a removable 12-note harmonica made in Germany into a hinged Bakelite (plastic) frame. The frame has a simple crank mechanism and a mouthpiece to simplify playing tunes from paper rolls that sold for 10 cents each. The Rolmonica was patented and introduced in 1928, and marketed with a package of four rolls for just one dollar. The performer had to only turn the crank and blow. While the idea of self-playing instruments operated by a paper roll was popularized by the piano, such technology was applied almost every type of instrument imaginable from player banjos, harps, accordions, and saxophones to violins. It is surprising to find the player technology applied to the harmonica since it was already a universally simple instrument to play. Considered to be an inexpensive novelty or a musical toy, it was sold as "a player piano in your pocket." from https://americanhistory.si.edu. Missing 1 wood handle.