Mechanical Memories Magazine
Issue: 2006-July - Issue 4 - Page 19
A most unusual machine?
HONKY TONK JOE'S by Johnny Burley
Dear Subscribers. Thanks to the emergence of Jerry's most welcome 'Mechanical
Memories Magazine', also his request for articles entitled 'A most unusual machine', it
gives me a chance to put pen to paper with regard to a unique large countertop working
model (automata) 'Honky Tonk Joe's' which came into my possession a few years back.
Inside a rather crude wood and glass casing is a bar room pianist, sat at his piano in
an early wild west type saloon, complete with a spittoon and 'wanted' poster on the wall.
On the insertion of a coin ( or on free play) music from a small self-reversing tape player,
built into the casing in the back of the machine, is channelled through a small speaker at
the front. In turn, the piano man starts to play. Moving parts include his fingers (and the
piano keys) legs, arms, torso and head. And at intervals the end of his cigar lights up.
I first saw this machine at an auction, where it did not reach it's reserve, and
remained unsold. Luckily, I knew the vendor, and after some weeks of haggling came to
a deal. One of my allwins plus a little cash going his way in exchange. It's history is a
little obscure, but my research tells me it has fairground connections. It was most likely
made as a 'one off' for a local showman. I am also told that it was at some time shown on
a midlands ITV television programme. Though of no great age, it is an intriguing and
very clever piece of automata, that fits in well alongside the vintage slots. It has become a
great source of amusement for the grandkids and visitors to our home alike.
I hope the photo I've sent Jerry does it justice. (see front cover - ed.)
Johnny B.
Many thanks for telling us about 'Hanky Tank Joe's' Johnny. It certainly sounds like a
most interesting piece of automata. As some of you will know, I have a particular passion
for working models and automata, and this would certainly be a welcome addition to my
collection! So if you ever feel the urge to sell it, Johnny, let me know!
As I have a spare inch of space here, I'll use it to
remind you all that there will be no magazine in
August. Issue 5 will be out toward the end of the
first week in September, hopefully!
Page 19
HONKY TONK JOE'S by Johnny Burley
Dear Subscribers. Thanks to the emergence of Jerry's most welcome 'Mechanical
Memories Magazine', also his request for articles entitled 'A most unusual machine', it
gives me a chance to put pen to paper with regard to a unique large countertop working
model (automata) 'Honky Tonk Joe's' which came into my possession a few years back.
Inside a rather crude wood and glass casing is a bar room pianist, sat at his piano in
an early wild west type saloon, complete with a spittoon and 'wanted' poster on the wall.
On the insertion of a coin ( or on free play) music from a small self-reversing tape player,
built into the casing in the back of the machine, is channelled through a small speaker at
the front. In turn, the piano man starts to play. Moving parts include his fingers (and the
piano keys) legs, arms, torso and head. And at intervals the end of his cigar lights up.
I first saw this machine at an auction, where it did not reach it's reserve, and
remained unsold. Luckily, I knew the vendor, and after some weeks of haggling came to
a deal. One of my allwins plus a little cash going his way in exchange. It's history is a
little obscure, but my research tells me it has fairground connections. It was most likely
made as a 'one off' for a local showman. I am also told that it was at some time shown on
a midlands ITV television programme. Though of no great age, it is an intriguing and
very clever piece of automata, that fits in well alongside the vintage slots. It has become a
great source of amusement for the grandkids and visitors to our home alike.
I hope the photo I've sent Jerry does it justice. (see front cover - ed.)
Johnny B.
Many thanks for telling us about 'Hanky Tank Joe's' Johnny. It certainly sounds like a
most interesting piece of automata. As some of you will know, I have a particular passion
for working models and automata, and this would certainly be a welcome addition to my
collection! So if you ever feel the urge to sell it, Johnny, let me know!
As I have a spare inch of space here, I'll use it to
remind you all that there will be no magazine in
August. Issue 5 will be out toward the end of the
first week in September, hopefully!
Page 19
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).