Bidspirit auctions | Dutch Auction Company Auction Sep 26

Dutch Auction Company, Sep 26. 464 lots, estimates 20 - 250000 €.


Dutch Auction Company -

After more than 150 years, one of the world's most iconic organ workshops will close its doors forever. For the first time in history, the complete G. Perlee Amsterdam Collection will be offered at public auction.


Dutch Auction Company is proud to announce an exclusive auction that marks the end of one of the most remarkable chapters in the history of Dutch organ building.


We have been entrusted by the Perlee family to auction the complete contents of the historic G. Perlee workshop in Amsterdam. From magnificent street and dance organs to original machinery, workbenches, organ books, music rolls, tools, archives and personal family memorabilia -everything will be offered for sale.


For collectors, museums and organ enthusiasts around the world, this is far more than an auction.


It is the unique opportunity to acquire authentic pieces from The G. Perlee Amsterdam Organ Collection and become part of a legacy that has shaped the world of mechanical music for more than 150 years.


Founded in 1875, G. Perlee became one of the world's most respected names in the construction, restoration and rental of street, fairground and dance organs. Generations of craftsmen built instruments that today can be found in museums and important private collections across Europe, America and Asia.


Since 1932, the company has operated from its iconic workshop at Westerstraat 119 in Amsterdam. The characteristic high workshop doors - large enough for complete organs to pass through - have become an unmistakable landmark in Amsterdam's Jordaan district.


Behind these doors, time almost stood still.


Walking through the workshop today is like stepping back into another century. Original workbenches, historic machinery, organ books, music rolls, drawings, tools, archives and countless personal family objects remain exactly where generations of the Perlee family left them. It is one of the last authentic surviving organ workshops in the Netherlands.


Now, for the first time in its history, everything will be offered for sale.


From magnificent Perlee organs to workshop equipment...

From original organ music books to rare spare parts...

From family archives and photographs to the very workbenches on which these famous organs were built...


This is far more than an auction. It is the preservation of Dutch organ history.


One of the Collection's Finest Highlights: The Famous Street Organ "De Pipo"

Among the undisputed highlights of The G. Perlee Amsterdam Organ Collection is the famous Perlee street organ "De Pipo."


Built around 1920, this magnificent street organ has remained in the ownership of the Perlee family for many decades and is regarded as one of the most iconic organs in the collection. For many years, De Pipo filled the streets of Amsterdam with music, becoming a familiar and much-loved part of the city's rich street organ tradition.


Today, the organ is presented in exceptional, museum-quality condition. Thanks to the continuous care, craftsmanship and expertise of the Perlee family, De Pipo has been preserved to an outstanding standard, both mechanically and visually. Its remarkable appearance and superb musical performance make it a true showcase of Perlee's renowned craftsmanship.


For collectors, museums and enthusiasts of mechanical music, this represents an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire an authentic Perlee street organ with outstanding provenance, directly from the historic Perlee workshop and family collection.


Without question, "De Pipo" stands as one of the true icons of The G. Perlee Amsterdam Organ Collection.


A Name Forever Connected to Dutch History

One of the most remarkable stories surrounding G. Perlee is that of the famous street organ "Het Snotneusje."


On 7 May 1945, as thousands gathered on Amsterdam's Dam Square to celebrate the liberation of the Netherlands at the end of World War II, German soldiers suddenly opened fire on the crowd.


With nowhere to hide, dozens of people took cover behind the massive wooden Perlee street organ. The organ absorbed countless bullets and literally became a shield, saving many lives that day.

Today, Het Snotneusje forms part of the permanent collection of the Amsterdam Museum and remains one of the most emotional symbols in Dutch organ history.


The End of an Era

The final generation of the Perlee family has decided to close the historic Amsterdam workshop. With this decision comes a unique opportunity that may never occur again.


Collectors, museums and enthusiasts from around the world will have the opportunity to acquire authentic pieces from one of the most important names in Dutch organ building.


Whether you dream of owning a complete Perlee organ, original workshop tools, music books, architectural elements, historical archives or personal family memorabilia...

This auction offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.


Experience History Before It Disappears

Before the collection moves to its new owners across the world, we invite you to visit the historic Perlee workshop itself during our viewing days.


For one final time, visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the original Amsterdam workshop, admire the collection exactly as it has stood for generations, experience the unique atmosphere of this legendary location and enjoy a cup of coffee while immersing themselves in over 150 years of Dutch organ history.


It will be the last opportunity to experience this extraordinary place before its contents begin a new chapter around the world.


Lots in this catalog (464)