Photo A shows the new top glued on and the holes for the wind to flow
from the windchest into the pipework. The toe boards for the pipes are
not installed yet. The row of smaller hole on the back edge of the
windchest are where the push rods for the pallet valves are located.
Photo B shows the windchest now turned over to show the dividers in the
windchest which create the wind channels. The seal is now in place and
the tops of the channels where the pallet valves will be installed are
visible.
Photo C shows the pallet valves in place. These pallets are faced with
leather with a small tail of leather extending out the back which is
glued in place to act as a hinge for the pallet. Small pins are inserted
between the pallets to guide them during the opening and closing of the
pallet.
Photo D shows the two strips in place which serve to retain the pallet
springs. Each pallet is spring loaded. Note in the photo the push rod
which when depressed by the stack pneumatic (not shown) opens the pallet.
The spring serves to force the pallet closed again after that particular
note is shut off by the music roll.
Wurlitzer liked to glue pieces of newspaper (Photo E) on the inside of
their windchests and pumps. I assume this was a means by which to help
seal the porosity in the wood with a layer of glue and newspaper.
Collectors are absolutely delighted to find these pieces of newspaper.
Often, they will provide a date or information by which we can date the
year of its manufacture or at least the last time someone glued the
newspaper on. Wherever possible, efforts are made not to destroy this
paper but to preserve it for someone else to look at in the future.
But, alas, this time the newspaper contained mostly advertising and no dates for us to see............
Dr. Bill Black is one of the nation's most knowledgeble Wurlitzer band organ experts. He has made recordings of many band organs and other mechanical music machines which are available for purchase at CarouselStores.com.