Lot 905: 1926 Weber Maesto Orchestrion

11’ W. x 9’ T. x 4’ D. Gebr. Weber, Waldkirch, Germany. Considered by today’s collectors as one of the most sophisticated Orchestrions the world has ever known, the Weber Maesto is in a class of its own. This magnificent original Maesto is one of only seven examples still known to exist. Many of these are permanently ensconced in state owned museums. Examples are the national museums of Holland (Utrecht) and Germany (Bruchsal and Waldkirch), the Baud Museum in L’Auberson, Switzerland, and San Sylmar Nethercutt collection in California. Since five are in public museums and will likely never again be offered for sale this leaves only this example and another in a private USA collection that could ever be available for possible purchase. Gebr. Weber‘s tour de force, the Maesto (English translation “Webers’ Masterpiece”). It illustrates the arranging and musical genius of Gustav Bruder’s most complex and inspired musical arrangements. Mr. Bruder is considered today to have been the most accomplished musical arranger of the golden era of mechanical music. Bruder’s most complex and inspired musical arrangements exhibit an almost unbelievable musical dexterity. As soon as a Weber song is played, it is immediately apparent if it is one of the Bruder arranged creations! This example includes a fine selection of over 100 rolls (many with five or more songs on a roll). They cover the entire musical range from popular, jazz, dance, to classical songs. In the 1920’s Weber described its Maesto as “Unequalled concert orchestra, dance, and jazz band. An incomparable electro-pneumatic artistic orchestrion comprising a piano of the first order (by Feurich), violin, violoncello, flutes, clarinet, trumpets, saxophone, lotus flute, jazz trumpets, complete xylophone, and assorted percussion instruments including bass drum, castanets, snare drum, tambourine, triangle, cymbal and wood block”. Harvey Roehl, founder of the Vestal Press said: “The Weber Maesto is considered by many to be the most outstanding orchestrion. It was built very late in the game and every known device was incorporated to ensure that it would resemble, as closely as possible, a human orchestra. To say that they succeeded would be a gross understatement! Nothing can compare with the artistic renderings of the Maesto.” Please contact any of the Morphy Auctions staff to make arrangements for a private on-site visit and full inspection prior to the sale date. Morphy Auctions will provide assistance to the new buyer for relocation of the instrument anywhere in the world. This magnificent Weber Maesto is one of the most sophisticated orchestrion the world has ever known. It may well represent the only opportunity to acquire one in a lifetime. (Excellent).
600,000.00 - 800,000.00