A spectacular and rare musical treasure will open proceedings at Unique Auctions’ forthcoming Antiques, Gold, Silver, Fine Art & Collectors Auction on Sunday 29th March 2026, when Lot 1, a remarkable 1912 72-Key Marenghi Street Organ, goes under the hammer.
Believed to be the only surviving example of a 72-key Marenghi organ, this extraordinary instrument is not only a piece of musical history but also a visual centrepiece. The organ is presented in a 1990 Leyland DAF 7.5-ton lorry, which is MOT exempt, making it both a display item and a practical travelling attraction.
The organ carries approximately two and a half hours of music, featuring a mix of well-known melodies and traditional European tunes. With its impressive sound and decorative presence, it represents the golden age of fairground and street entertainment.
The instrument spent its early life in Holland, a country with a long tradition of mechanical music and street organs. It later came to England in the late 1950s or early 1960s, where it continued to delight audiences. In 2017 the organ underwent a full restoration from the ground up, ensuring that it remains both visually stunning and mechanically sound.
Street organs have a rich and fascinating history. Originating in the 18th and 19th centuries, they became synonymous with travelling showmen, fairs, and street performers across Europe. These mechanical organs were powered by hand-cranked bellows and played music through pinned barrels or perforated music books. The sound of a street organ once formed part of the everyday soundtrack of towns and cities, particularly in countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
The Marenghi company, founded by Italian-born organ builder Gavioli & Marenghi, was renowned for producing some of the finest fairground organs in Europe. Their instruments were prized for their powerful sound, elaborate decoration, and technical sophistication. Today, surviving Marenghi organs are highly sought after by collectors, showmen, and mechanical music enthusiasts.
The sale of this magnificent organ offers a rare opportunity to acquire a truly unique piece of mechanical music history.
Viewing: Friday 27th March, 9am–4pm, and from 8am on the morning of the sale.
Auction: Sunday 29th March 2026, starting at 9:00am at Unique Auctions, Lincoln.
Collectors and enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to attend and experience this remarkable instrument in person.
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