Ferdinand Molzer Snr. (1855 – 1929) was a provincial organ manufacturer, working from his premises at Wien III, Baumannstraße 9. Throughout his career he strived to produce the highest quality instruments: street barrel organs, residential orchestrions, and church organs. Molzer’s son. Ferdinand Jnr., became famed for his ‘Kinophon’ theatre instruments in the USA.

Molzer instruments are rare today, but revered for their musical abilities and quality construction.

The Museum’s 54-key example, a barrel organ c.1880, was formally donated to the charity in 2009 by the Late Norman Woodford, a prolific collector of early barrel instruments.

This instrument is currently on static display, awaiting necessary restoration work to return it to playing condition.