In 1904, a young man named Henry K. Sandell joined the Mills Novelty Company. At the age of just 21, young Sandell had already distinguished himself as an inventor, having patented several devices in the electrical and mechanical fields. His first project for the Mills Co. was the perfection of an automatic violin-playing machine, and in 1905 or 06, Mills Novelty Company launched the "Automatic Virtuoso" and the Mills Violano-Virtuoso was born. From that day on into the 1930's, the Violano-Virtuoso went through many design changes and enhancements including a ship's version where the piano could be played manually, and several other versions where accompanying instruments could be added to the mainstay violin with piano. This example of the Violano-Virtuoso is housed in a beautifully finished North American quartered oak cabinet. An earlier restoration has accounted for a great playing instrument with a wonderful sound, so emotionally rich to hear and so hypnotically-mesmerizing to watch its no wonder that the Violano-Virtuoso was designated as one of the greatest scientific inventions of the age by the U.S Government. Personally, I believe the Violano has become so prominent among collectors, it is taken for granted, and we forget just how anyone's face will light up a room the first time they watch one and hear one play. CONDITION: this Violano has an earlier restoration and plays beautifully. the quartered oak cabinet has light surface scratches, and some signs of wear from use, however, it has a deep rich appearance and will be a hit in any mechanical music collection. With keys and several rolls. This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made. Condition: (Very Good). Dimensions: Largest: 43" x 31" x 64 - 3/8".