The Wurlitzer Model 4520...

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http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/life/antiques-collectibles-wurlitzer-theatre-organ-is-a-noteworthy-piece/article_01585789-463e-5f02-8c4d-9c9ea718bae1.html

Posted: Friday, September 30, 2011 12:00 am | Updated: 7:00 am, Fri Sep 30, 2011.

By ALYCE HAND BENHAM, For The Press |

Question: Attached are pictures of a Model 4520 Wurlitzer theatre organ with bench that was given to me. It is about 4 feet high, 4 1/2 feet wide, 2 feet deep and in working condition. Please provide information about it and its worth. - S.C., Port Republic

Answer: Your organ was made by the Rudolph Wurlitzer Co., an American firm that produced musical instruments, as well as theatre, band and electronic organs, electric pianos, guitars and jukeboxes. Founded in 1853 in Cincinnati, Wurlitzer moved to Chicago in 1941.

The company debuted the "Mighty Wurlitzer" theatre pipe organ in 1910. Your electronic Model 4520, introduced in 1966, was the first theatre organ offered by Wurlitzer after the popular pipe-organ era ended in the 1930s. The 4520 horseshoe-shaped organs were built so well that most offered today remain fully functional.

Organs such as yours frequently were accessorized with the Leslie Model 45 organ speaker system. Originally associated with Hammond organs, the attractive wooden, cabinet-style speaker is a combination amplifier-loudspeaker invented by Donald Leslie.

While asking prices for working Wurlitzer 4520s with intact pedals, bench and a Leslie organ speaker system currently range from $850 to $1,100, most sell for $700 to $850. Examples without the speaker system rarely bring more than $400, and perfect Leslie 45s often sell for as much as $200 to $250 each.

Eric
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