Catalogue Illustration of a Philipps
Pianella Model 12 Paganini "Monstre" Orchestrion

The Philipps Pianella Model 12 Paganini Monstre Orchestrion pictured here is from a circa 1911-1912 catalogue. It was the largest and most complex orchestrion ever manufactured by Philipps. No specimens are known to exist today, and it is unknown how many of these immense models were made. It is a mystery to this author as to why Philipps' most impressive machine musically was housed in such a plain, uninspired looking furniture case, while other Philipps orchestrions of a less grand musical stature were placed in cases that were often splendidly ornate works of art.