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1914 Hooghuys 77-Key Dance Organ "The Sunflower"
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Please note: you can manage your bids before the auction starts in My Saleroom. Your max bid is private and confidential.
Description
Louis Hooghuys built this dance organ in 1914 on a special order from Theophiel Versyp (from Bruges) for use in his restaurant. After Louis died in 1924 the organ was bought by his son, Charles Hooghuys, modified with an updated scale for use in a cafe Charles had bought. Three melody notes were changed to make the scale more chromatic; saxophones were added to the counter melody; and the melodeon was replaced with violin Celeste. The organ was sold again in 1931, with all-new music, for use on a fairground. Wallace McPeak imported the organ to America and it was subsequently bought by Ron Bennet from Plano, Texas. Bill Nunn wanted to expand his collection with an European organ that played book music and was referred to Ron who at that point had this organ in his possession for 40 years. Realizing that he would never restore it, he finally sold the organ to Bill. When Bill got the organ it was partially dismantled and in very poor condition, even the keys were worn out. The entire organ needed to be thoroughly restored. After spending a week with Ted Bowman and Marc Hooghuys (the great grandson of Louis Hooghuys) in England, a plan was finalized for restoration. The organ's scale would be kept as it is enabling it to play the 600 meters of fair music. However, Bill added two more keys to the key frame, and used the swell shades close key to add the three original melody notes back to the organ, returning it to its original scale. The extra pipes were added with an off-note chest, to enable playing the 1,000 meters of original LH620 dance music that Ted had carefully saved. Ted and Marc also supplied original Hooghuys valve chests and a Hooghuys 22-note melodeon, as well as templates for other missing parts. During restoration, a historic message was found under the xylophone motors (translated from Dutch by Marc Hooghuys): "18th August 1914 War in Europe, Theo Bruylandt, Grammont; Belgium, France, England against Prussia, The German barbarians will be clobbered, Long Live Belgium." The restoration was a group effort and of all the organs Bill had worked on, in his opinion, this was built with the best craftsmanship and engineering design. After one entire winter of chipping off the park paint from the organ facade, the beautiful artwork of Charles Soudain of Ghent was revealed, and this organ once again looked spectacular and could delight audiences. Charles was particularly good at painting flowers and it took him about a fortnight to paint the organ facade in 1914. Currently, the organ facade is in very good visual condition showing some natural wear: small to medium cracks in the wood, hairline cracks in the oil paint, and some small spots of paint loss. Hooghuys organs are known for their unique sound and also the fast action of the key frame and valves. The organ is currently in very good playing condition working on 110V power, comes with 136 music books and features the following instrument pipes - bass, trombone, saxophone, violin, Tibia, Vox Humana, accordion reeds, flute harmonique, oboe and the following percussion instruments - xylophone, snare drum, bass drum, woodblock and cymbals. The sound can be further modified with the organ swells and tremulant. Serial no.: LH620. Dimensions (H x W x D): 390 x 555 x 130 cm. Condition: Very Good. Location: Medina, Minnesota, USA. Video link: youtu.be/Y2J5NfJ6gCs
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Louis Hooghuys built this dance organ in 1914 on a special order from Theophiel Versyp (from Bruges) for use in his restaurant. After Louis died in 1924 the organ was bought by his son, Charles Hooghuys, modified with an updated scale for use in a cafe Charles had bought. Three melody notes were changed to make the scale more chromatic; saxophones were added to the counter melody; and the melodeon was replaced with violin Celeste. The organ was sold again in 1931, with all-new music, for use on a fairground. Wallace McPeak imported the organ to America and it was subsequently bought by Ron Bennet from Plano, Texas. Bill Nunn wanted to expand his collection with an European organ that played book music and was referred to Ron who at that point had this organ in his possession for 40 years. Realizing that he would never restore it, he finally sold the organ to Bill. When Bill got the organ it was partially dismantled and in very poor condition, even the keys were worn out. The entire organ needed to be thoroughly restored. After spending a week with Ted Bowman and Marc Hooghuys (the great grandson of Louis Hooghuys) in England, a plan was finalized for restoration. The organ's scale would be kept as it is enabling it to play the 600 meters of fair music. However, Bill added two more keys to the key frame, and used the swell shades close key to add the three original melody notes back to the organ, returning it to its original scale. The extra pipes were added with an off-note chest, to enable playing the 1,000 meters of original LH620 dance music that Ted had carefully saved. Ted and Marc also supplied original Hooghuys valve chests and a Hooghuys 22-note melodeon, as well as templates for other missing parts. During restoration, a historic message was found under the xylophone motors (translated from Dutch by Marc Hooghuys): "18th August 1914 War in Europe, Theo Bruylandt, Grammont; Belgium, France, England against Prussia, The German barbarians will be clobbered, Long Live Belgium." The restoration was a group effort and of all the organs Bill had worked on, in his opinion, this was built with the best craftsmanship and engineering design. After one entire winter of chipping off the park paint from the organ facade, the beautiful artwork of Charles Soudain of Ghent was revealed, and this organ once again looked spectacular and could delight audiences. Charles was particularly good at painting flowers and it took him about a fortnight to paint the organ facade in 1914. Currently, the organ facade is in very good visual condition showing some natural wear: small to medium cracks in the wood, hairline cracks in the oil paint, and some small spots of paint loss. Hooghuys organs are known for their unique sound and also the fast action of the key frame and valves. The organ is currently in very good playing condition working on 110V power, comes with 136 music books and features the following instrument pipes - bass, trombone, saxophone, violin, Tibia, Vox Humana, accordion reeds, flute harmonique, oboe and the following percussion instruments - xylophone, snare drum, bass drum, woodblock and cymbals. The sound can be further modified with the organ swells and tremulant. Serial no.: LH620. Dimensions (H x W x D): 390 x 555 x 130 cm. Condition: Very Good. Location: Medina, Minnesota, USA. Video link: youtu.be/Y2J5NfJ6gCs
The Bill Nunn Organ & Fairground Auction
Sale Date(s)
Venue Address
Ringbaan Noord 5
Tilburg
5013 EA
Netherlands
PICK UP OF THE LOTS
- The auctioned lots will only be released after the auction and after full payment.
- The lots must be collected within 5 days of the Auction. Later collection may be possible by agreement with the Auction House.
- Lots that are not collected on time will be removed to storage at the buyer’s expense.
Important Information
On September 27, 2025, we are proud to present the Bill Nunn Organ & Fairground Collection at auction, alongside a wide range of other remarkable collectibles. This exceptional sale features over 500 lots, including organs, carousels, horses, figures, decoration, fairground rides, mechanical musical instruments, and an impressive collection of over 50 L' Autopède carousel rides.
Bill Nunn was an American, well-known and highly respected collector within the industry. His passion for collecting began with carousel horses and evolved into a deep appreciation for wooden horses, other carved figures associated with merry-go-rounds, carousels and organs. Over the years, Bill curated one of the finest collections in the country—an extraordinary legacy built on dedication and enthusiasm.
Bill built a custom octagon addition onto his mansion to showcase this extraordinary collection, where he spent countless hours with family and friends. He even hosted tours for large groups, sharing the magic of the space. With a stunning collection housed inside, and a roller coaster, carousel, and steam train with track in the backyard, this was truly a one-of-a-kind, exceptional destination!
Following Bill’s passing in 2024, his family has now made the heartfelt decision to offer the collection at public auction, with the hope that each piece finds a new home with those who will cherish them as much as Bill did. The entire collection will go under the hammer and everything must be sold!
All lots will start at very low starting prices as a reserve and will be sold to the highest bid, making this a truly exceptional chance for collectors, enthusiasts and dealers to acquire one of these beautiful pieces at great prices.
Highlights include the 1910 Marenghi 81-Key Dance Organ, American Carousel with Parker & Herschell Spillman Figures, Mahauden 80-key Dance Organ, Hooghuys 77-Key Dance Organ "The Sunflower", 89-Key Gavioli G4 Fairground Organ and a 1923 Dutch Swing Carousel.
In addition to these highlights, the auction features an incredible array of unique pieces—including a rare Kicking Mule Carnival Game, a beautiful Gypsy Wagon, Organ Trailers, rare American 1-Cent Ladies and Men Fortune Teller, fully functioning Calypso Fairground Ride, a massive collection of miniature carousel collectibles and much more!
Bidding is possible live in our well-known nostalgic auction hall in Tilburg, the Netherlands, or on-site in the hall in the United States where the Bill Nunn Collection is still on display. One of our representatives will be present there during the auction to register bids and relay them to our auctioneers at the main auction location in Tilburg, The Netherlands.
For those unable to attend in person, we will provide online bidding options, allowing international participants to join the auction from anywhere in the world.
A world-class full color catalog has been made of all lots with pictures, condition, starting prices and estimates. Order the print catalog on our webiste or download a free of charge digital version.
Terms & Conditions
AUCTION TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Participation in the auction is subject to the acceptance and unconditional acceptance of these Auction Terms and Conditions:
1. BID
- The submission of a bid means a binding offer.
- The bidder remains bound to his bid until it is either outbid or rejected by Auctioneer.
- Bids of unknown persons may be rejected by Auction House.
- Persons who are not present may notify the Auction House in writing of intended bids. These bids are considered as maximum bids, excluding the buyers premium. Changes to a written bid must be made in writing; they must be received no later than 24 hours prior to the Auction. Written bids can be send to info@dutchauctioncompany.com
- Request for Telephone bids must be made no later than 24 hours prior to the Auction.
2. AUCTION LOTS
- The lots are offered and sold in the name and for the account of the consignor.
- The Dutch Auction Company and the sellers disclaim any warranty for the age, origin, condition and quality of the lots put up for auction. The lots are sold in the condition in which they were at the time of the knock down.
- All lots are to be inspected at the preview days. It is possible to get an idea of their condition and value and to obtain additional information. The buyer acknowledges, that we sell used goods which can have marks and defaults caused by their age.
- The lots are described based on the latest current state of knowledge to the best of our knowledge and belief. The Dutch Auction Company is not liable for obvious or hidden defects.
3. KNOCKDOWN/PROPERTY
- The lot is awarded to the highest bidder. The lot will only be delivered to the buyer after payment has been made in full.
- The knock down could be also conditional. If it is called up « conditional sale», it means, that the reserve was not met. The Auction House will first consult with the seller and afterwards inform the buyer, if his offer was successful or not. This may happen right at the sale or within a few days.
- In the event of differences between two or more bidders, the lot may be offered again.
- Once the bid has been accepted, no further complaints will be accepted.
4. KNOCKDOWN HAMMER PRICE / BUYERS PREMIUM
- Abuyers premium of 25% on top of the hammer price will be added on your invoice. This is excluding 21 % VAT* on the buyer premium if applicable.
- For cars17% buyer’s premium will apply. This is excluding 21% VAT* on the buyer premium if applicable.
-
* Explanation of the application of VAT on the Buyers Premium (not on the hammer price of a lot, only the buyers premium):
> Private buyers registered within the Netherlands and Europe are invoiced including VAT.
> Private buyers registered outside Europe and exporting the purchased lots, lots leaving Europe, will be invoiced without VAT. Proof of export of the lots is required.
> Commercial buyers (companies) registered in the Netherlands are invoiced including VAT.
> Commercial buyers (companies) registered outside the Netherlands but within Europe are invoiced without VAT.
> Commercial buyers (companies) registered outside Europe and exporting the purchased lots, leaving Europe, are invoiced without VAT. Proof of export of the lots is required.
If commercial buyers (companies) wish to make use of the above VAT application, they must register as a commercial (company) bidder. Company name, address and VAT number are then required information that must be provided at registration.
- Attention for online bidders: If you do not bid directly at Dutch Auction Company, but online on an external auction platform, please take into account the additional fee charged by that platform. This is usually around 5%. The platform indicates which percentage they use. The auction costs of 25% are then increased by that extra percentage. If it is 5%, then the auction costs via the online platform are 28%.
5. PAYMENT OF THE LOTS
- The auctioned lots must be fully paid and collected within 5 days after the auction (unless other agreements have been made with the Auction House) at the auction location, or location where the lot is located otherwise the auction location. Payment can be made in cash (maximum € 20,000), by bank, or credit card payment. In case of cash payment or payment by credit card, 3% of the total invoice amount will be added in connection with additional bank deposit or credit card costs.
- Before leaving the auction room, each buyer is requested to take receipt of the relevant formalities at the auction office and to make a full or appropriate down payment.
6. PICK UP OF THE LOTS
- The auctioned lots will only be released after the auction and after full payment.
- The lots must be collected within 5 days of the Auction. Later collection may be possible by agreement with the Auction House.
- Lots that are not collected on time will be removed to storage at the buyer’s expense.
7. LEGAL ISSUES/LIABILITY
- The Dutch Auction Company reserves the right to make changes and comments regarding the lot description before and during the exhibition or until the bid is accepted. Lots may be added or removed.
- The Dutch Auction Company, as sales commissioner according to article 7:425 BW 7:425 BW, acts for the account of the consignor. Any liability for defects shall be excluded in accordance with section 2. Any notices of defects, claims for rescission or reduction must be addressed directly to the Consignor as the seller. No representative or employee of the Dutch Auction Company is entitled to issue any guarantees deviating from this.
- The auction management may offer lots outside the numerical order without justification, and may combine, separate, or withdraw catalog items.
- Any participation in the auction is at your own risk. In the event of damage to exhibited objects, the causer shall be liable.
- Each removal of the auctioned lots, also by third parties, relates to own costs and risks.
- The invoice for the auctioned lots is to be paid in accordance with section 5. If this is neglected, the auctioneer may, at his discretion, demand fulfilment of the purchase contract by charging a default interest of 1% per month on the hammer price plus surcharge and the costs of collection. However, he may also withdraw from the purchase contract without notice or other notification and cancel the knockdown and sell the lot by private contract. In this case, the successful bidder shall be liable for all damages resulting from non-payment or delayed payment, in particular for any loss of proceeds. Any down payment made will be deducted from the damage.
- The auction and all disputes arising from it are subject to Dutch law. This applies regardless of the legal domicile of the parties involved.
- The English version of these Terms and Conditions of Sale shall be authoritative for the assessment of disputes.
- The place of jurisdiction is Breda, The Netherlands.
8. GENERAL
- The auction and sale conditions are made known to every interested person and are posted in the auction hall during the exhibition and auction.
- Legal identification, name and address of the buyer are required for bidding and auctioning an object. Registration entitles the buyer to bid.
- It is the buyer’s responsibility to protect himself against the risks of loss, theft, damage, and destruction of the objects in question by taking out insurance in good time. All risks are with the buyer after knockdown of the item.
- While we do our very best to have all content in our lot descriptions, catalogs and all printed and online communication as accurate as possible we make no guarantees and can not be held responsible for any incorrect information or typing errors.
Tilburg, The Netherlands - August 2025
