Why You’ll Love It
This exceptional 1:12 scale street barrel organ, or Drehorgel, was handcrafted and signed by acclaimed German miniature artisan Hans Meier. Designed after traditional European street organs, it features a cream-painted wooden case with nine polished brass pipes, delicate hand-painted floral decoration, and an intricate wheeled cart base with fine spoked wheels and scrolling metalwork. Best of all, the piece contains a working music box mechanism operated by its side crank, bringing a delightful sense of movement and sound to the miniature scene. A brass-framed maker’s plaque on the back identifies Meier as a Drehorgelbaumeister, or master barrel organ builder.
Perfect For
Perfect for a Victorian, Edwardian, European street scene, music room, fairground, or old-world town setting, this working barrel organ cart adds instant character and storytelling to a miniature display. It is especially well suited to collectors of functional artisan miniatures, musical pieces, German craftsmanship, and unusual mechanical accessories.
Details
Materials: Wood, metal
Scale & Size: 1:12 scale; 3 ½” tall x 3 ⅓” long
Condition: Excellent vintage condition
Artist: Signed by Hans Meier
Collection: The Maureen Fukushima Collection
Please Note: Includes the Hans Meier barrel organ cart only. Display furniture, dolls and surrounding décor shown in styled photography are not included.
A Note About Value
Every miniature we offer has been carefully evaluated for its craftsmanship, rarity, condition, provenance, and collectibility. Many of the artisan pieces we sell are one-of-a-kind works that may never appear on the market again. While original retail prices provide an interesting historical reference, they rarely reflect decades of appreciation, the artist's legacy, or the scarcity of surviving examples.
Our pricing reflects the miniature's place within today's collector market and the years we've spent studying the artists, histories, and values that make these tiny works of art so special.
A Commitment to Research
Every miniature has a story, and uncovering it is one of our greatest passions. We carefully research each piece, but unsigned or illegible works can remain mysteries. If you can identify an artist or provide additional information, we'd be delighted to hear from you and will gladly update the listing to preserve their legacy.
