Topeka, KS, ca. 1911
Player pianos and other novelty instruments were especially popular in the period around 1900. This unique instrument, a cross between a harp and a piano, was created by Peter Bissing in the early 1900s. By pressing a key or depressing a foot pedal, the musician can make the instrument sound like a mandolin, an Italian harp, or chimes.
Inside this instrument is a series of flexible steel strips with cast iron balls on the ends. When a key is pressed, a strip vibrates, causing the ball to bounce on the string to make a fast repeating tone.
Only ten of the approximately 50 dolcettes produced by the newly formed Orchestrino Co. were sold. By 1914, Bissing ended his participation in the company following a lawsuit to recover unpaid rent. The remaining dolcettes were ultimately sold at a sheriff’s auction and later destroyed in a flood.
This is only one of five dolcettes still known to exist.
5’6″ giraffe style w/cherubs on leg supports
Novel repeating action
4 octave range f-f; tuned to 4′ pitch
