A readily awaited Victorian casino antiques auction took place in Las Vegas over the weekend (January 19-20), starring, among a plethora of fascinating lots, a rare, coin operated Mills Violano Virtuoso music machine.
The circa 1907, combination violin and piano music machine brought an impressive $48,000 on January 19, well within its spacious $16,000-160,000 estimate.
 The rare, coin operated, Mills Novelty Violano Virtuoso musical and entertainment machine features a combination of violin and piano |
Victorian music machines were heralded as one of the mechanical marvels of the age. A perforated paper roll, which could be replaced with some difficulty, was "played" by wires welded either side of it.
The price achieved suggests that the market is primed for
