Hi Ann,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Gem Roller Organs are small, hand-cranked mechanical reed organs that were popular in the United States from the late 19th century into the early 20th century. Often described as a cross between a barrel organ and a harmonium, it was designed to let anyone play music without learning an instrument.

Unlike a player piano, which uses paper rolls, a Gem Roller Organ used wooden "music rollers." Each roller is a cylindrical wooden spool with hundreds of tiny metal pins or staples arranged in specific patterns. As you turn the crank, the roller rotates, the pins lift small valves inside the organ, air from bellows is directed through free reeds and the reeds produce musical notes.

The best-known manufacturer was the Autophone Company of Ithaca, New York.

The company introduced the Gem Roller Organ in the 1880s, and it became one of the most successful home mechanical musical instruments of its era. Several models were produced, including Gem Roller Organ, Gem Roller Organ No. 1, Gem Roller Organ No. 2 and larger cabinet models with more decorative cases.

Thousands were sold through mail-order catalogs, music stores, and general retailers.

When these come to auction, they usually sell for between $150 and $200, though if they have as many rolls/cobs of music as yours has, they can command higher appeal among collectors and I would expect this to sell for between $200 and $400

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Gem Roller Organ and 19 music cobs
circa 1880s
8 inches high by 14 inches wide by 11-1/2 inches deep
CONDITION: this appears to be in used but original condition
PROVENANCE: inherited, initially owned by Matthew Boyce, 1867-1937
$ 200-400*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia