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The Milhous Collection is, without exaggeration, one of the world’s most admired and extraordinary private collections. Carefully assembled over the past 50 years by brothers Bob and Paul Milhous, it represents a lifelong interest and fascination in mechanicals, encompassing everything from an unprecedented collection of mechanical musical instruments to rare and important automobiles and a wide variety of Americana and collectibles. It also reflects the brothers’ meticulous collecting philosophy; items have been handpicked from around the world, with an emphasis on the rarest and most desirable examples produced by some of the industry’s most prominent names.

Bob and Paul’s history and involvement in collecting is equally as fascinating as the collection itself. Having been in business together since 1967, they originally entered the printing industry and have since enjoyed a long career in a wide variety of enterprises.

Paul started out collecting pianos when he bought a player piano in 1959. This lead to the purchase of a reproducing piano (one that recreates how the artist originally played a piece of music) and an American Nickelodeon. While Paul was collecting musical instruments, Bob developed his interest in unique and desirable motor cars. His first purchase was a 1934 Packard Eight Convertible Victoria that had been commissioned by the lead actress in Tugboat Annie (1933), Marie Dressler. Bob showed the car throughout the United States at all major concours events, winning awards at every appearance including a coveted Best of Show at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1976. Building on this success, he began to grow the collection, which now includes everything from high-horsepower Brass Era cars to rare coachbuilt classics. There are a pair of Fleetwood-designed Cadillac Sixteens, French coachbuilt cars, an Oldsmobile Limited and a 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost to mention a few. Additionally, the collection also includes historically important Indianapolis racing cars.

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In the mid-1970s, the brothers decided to combine their individual collections. After outgrowing four other locations, they built their current 39,500 sq. ft. building in Boca Raton, Florida in the mid-1990s. The display is, in a word, spectacular, and those that have had the privilege to tour the collection over the years can attest to its incredible presentation. Although it was not open to the public, the collection has been host to hundreds of charity events over the years, which have helped raise millions for a wide variety of good causes.

Today the collection is highlighted by one of the world’s most notable assemblies of fair, dance and theatre organs and orchestrions, comprising of no less than 100 individual examples. A focal point is the Weber Maesto orchestrion, an exceptionally large instrument replete with endless pipes, pianos and drums, all playing in concert. Acquired by the Milhous brothers 15 years ago after purchasing an entire private collection from Linz, Germany, it represents one of only six ever made, four of which are in museums, leaving only two in private ownership. Other highlights include a 30-rank theatre organ, originally built for Wurlitzer’s home in Cincinnati, as well as mechanically complex and decoratively elaborate instruments from such renowned names as Gaudin, Gavioli and A. Ruth & Söhne, all of which are presented in complete working order. Alongside the extraordinary selection of organs and orchestrions, the Milhous Collection also includes an impressive variety of world-class music boxes.

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Another jewel of the collection is an Illions-style carousel specially commissioned and built by the Milhous brothers. Constructed over a period of four years, it is truly a one-of-a-kind, fully functioning work of art, an incredible example of custom craftsmanship, mechanical music and entertainment. Visually spectacular, it features an extraordinary menagerie of 44 intricate animal figures, all hand-carved in basswood. The carousel is accompanied by its own Wurlitzer Band Organ.

An extensive assortment of petroliana, neon and porcelain signs and rare and unique gasoline-powered tether cars and models add to the collection’s diversity. Notable offerings include the rare and highly sought-after double-cylinder gas pumps, Red Crown pumps and a Shell display pump in outstanding fully restored condition. Numerous large porcelain and double-sided neon signs adorn the walls of the museum, many of which have been fully restored. There is also a large assortment of decorative arts pieces from such names as Pierre Renoir, Louis Icart and Alphonse Mucha. From Tiffany & Co. and Black, Starr & Frost ornate hall clocks to stunningly rare tower and street clocks by Seth Thomas and Howard, iconic timepieces are equally well represented. Other unique items on offer include a large assortment of firearms from the 19th Century.

RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, is delighted to present the renowned Milhous Collection during a multi-day sale in Boca Raton, Florida, February 24 – 25, 2012. Assembled by connoisseurs, for connoisseurs, it truly represents the best of the very best in all areas, perfectly suited for the eclectic collector with an eye for rarity, authenticity and supreme quality.

For full details on this ‘must attend’ event and to view a comprehensive list of lots on offer, please visit www.rmauctions.com or call (519) 352-4575.

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