A trio of robot musicians with a captivating, toe-tapping sound led the parade of mechanical music machines and automata at Morphys $2.3 million sale of the Henri Krijnen collection, and according to the buyer, the Space-Age combos next stop will be a museum or related attraction in Florida. The Sept. 9 and 10 auction featured 541 lots of dance organs, orchestrions, slot machines and a myriad of other antique coin-operated novelties amassed over 50 years by the late Mr. Krijnen, a Dutch businessman who made his fortune in the gambling and entertainment industry. The robot dance organ, created by Gebroeders Decap (Antwerp, Belgium) in 1963, was known to be one of Krijnens favorites. It is one of three that were made in a 105-key configuration, and was originally installed at the Hotel Eemland in Soest, Netherlands. Later in its lifetime, it was professionally restored to perfection by AC Pilmer Automatic Music of Ossett, England. Members of the robot band are programmed to play drums, a saxophone and brass horn, respectively, and the latter two even stand up for their solos. At one corner of the stage, a smaller robot of similar composition smiles and reminds patrons to tip the performers. Against an estimate of $100,000-$200,000, the robot dance organ attracted 31 bids before selling for an astonishing $350,550. The buyer is Ozzie Bilotta, whose private museum of vintage toys, arcade machines and related memorabilia, The Bilotta Collection, will open its doors this fall in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Being that the robot band was created in 1963, right in the heart of the classic sci-fi era, it fits right in with the museums theme of robots and space toys. However, the band is so large, nearly 12 feet wide, that Im considering a few options. It might become the visual centerpiece at an affiliated business to be located near the museum. It needs plenty of room to breathe. Hopefully, Ill have things figured out by the time it arrives from its current location (in Oosterhout, the Netherlands). Im excited to bring this wonderful fusion of art, music, engineering and classic robot styling to the United States, commented Bilotta following the sale. The price includes a 23-percent buyers premium. To contact Morphys, call toll-free 877-968-8880. Image courtesy Morphy Auctions.