A quick look at the current auction markets has revealed a unusual bit of news: that Japanese and American collectors are very keen on buying vintage mechanical music machines.
The observation was made by Terry Woodcock, owner of Unique Auctions in Lincoln, UK. Woodcock was interviewed by newspaper the Worksop Guardian in the run-up to Unique's October 23 sale.
Included among the lots will be a rare German-made fairground organ. It is believed to date to circa 1880, and is estimated bring more than £30,000.
Woodcock has described the instrument as a "proper old fairground organ with the dancing wooden figures and xylophone, bass drums and castanets."
The auctioneer said that it's the first time he has seen an organ like it for sale in the last 15 years. It is reportedly being sold by an anonymous elderly man with a history in the fairground business.
According to Woodcock, the seller is parting with the organ "with a very heavy heart."
What's more, the historic organ is expected to bring more than its estimate when it goes under the hammer later this month.
"It could, we believe - the way the Japanese and Americans are at the moment buying mechanical music - make £100,000," Woodcock told the Worksop Guardian.
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