Vintage Rolomonica 1920 ' S Player Piano Harmonica With 4 Rolls
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:1004750 | Custom Bundle: Yes |
| Bundle Description: This Rolomonica comes with one roll already inside and 3 extra rolls. | Year: 1925 |
| UPC: Does not apply |
The Rolmonica, described in its advertising as "a player piano in your pocket", was an automatic harmonica that could play tunes via a small paper music roll. This fitted inside the unit and was turned by a crank handle at the side. It was one of a number of musical instruments apart from the player piano that was operated by a music roll and possibly the smallest of the instruments fitting in to this category. Originally patented in the USA in 1925 it was not until 1928 that it was pa...tented again and actually put into production. By 1930 its sales seem to have been effected by the onset of the Depression as it was sold at reduced prices with a greater number of rolls. However, production of Rolmonicas appears to have continued well into the 1940s, although whether this was by the original company or not is uncertain. The Rolomonica is made of Bakelite, which has the significance of being the world's first synthetic plastic. The "retro" appeal of old Bakelite products and labor intensive manufacturing has made them quite collectible in recent years.
The rolls included are 211 Carry me back to old va 208 Mocking bird and two unknown that are faded.
It was tested and does work. The rolls are 3 1/2 inches wide and the Rolomonica is 4 inches wide 3 1/2 inches tall and 2 3/4 inches deep
It was made in Baltimore, Maryland USA
The rolls included are 211 Carry me back to old va 208 Mocking bird and two unknown that are faded.
It was tested and does work. The rolls are 3 1/2 inches wide and the Rolomonica is 4 inches wide 3 1/2 inches tall and 2 3/4 inches deep
It was made in Baltimore, Maryland USA
