Catalogue Illustration of a
Wurlitzer Style 40
Mandolin PianOrchestra
Philipps Pianella Model 40 (Celesta)

Circa 1911/12 catalogue illustration of a Wurlitzer style 40 Mandolin Pianorchestra.

Catalogue illustration circa 1911-1912. A tall and stately looking instrument, the Style 40 was a popular model, with two examples known to survive, one discovered in East Germany, and the other sold by Wurlitzer and found in Florida. Additionally, during the 1960s, the front, center casework for a third machine was found in Colorado.

The scene in the middle (painted on vellum) is animated by means of tiny electric lamps stationed behind a moving cloth belt. This fabric belt, which is dabbed with splotches of black pigment, enables the illusion of water splashing downward over the Roman fountain while the instrument is operating.
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