WHEN a new organ specially made by R Spurden Rutt and Co was installed in the Oxford Super Cinema in 1928 it was meant to entertain audiences for years.

Instead a new phenomenon known as the ‘talkies’ – films where the actors spoke – became popular and it was mothballed within 10 years.

On Thursday it is back in the limelight as it goes up for auction in Surrey, a world away from the Oxford Super Cinema, now known as the Odeon in Magdalen Street.

The Rutt electric Organestra is one of just three built by the company and is expected to fetch between £20,000 and £40,000 when it is sold by Ewbank’s auctioneers.

Christopher Proudlove, from the company, said the organ had an interesting history.

He said: “The small organ chamber containing pipes, the mechanical drums, cymbals, xylophone, steamboat whistle, glockenspiel and chimes was sealed and the console at which the organist sits was boxed and stored beneath the stage.

“The organ was removed in 1962 and subsequently acquired by Peter Webb, a Guildford contract caterer. It is one of the most imposing objects we have ever offered and will headline a two-day sale of music, sporting, film, TV and entertainment memorabilia.”

The organ would have played in the era of silent films starring Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd.

Its first performance was on October 21, 1928, and was reviewed by the Oxford Journal Illustrated, the forerunner of the Oxford Mail.

Organist Stanley Hemery performed the concert in aid of the Radcliffe Infirmary extension fund in a week when the Oxford Super Cinema showed Finders Keepers starring Laura La Plante.

The organ’s current owner Peter Webb, who bought it in 1990, restored it to working order and fitted switchable electronics so it played automatically as he cannot play himself.

Mr Webb provided the catering for Guildford Cathedral in Surrey at the time and he arranged for a company of organ restorers who were there to fix it, in exchange for board and lodgings.

The 67-year-old said: “The organ has given me and my visitors immense pleasure over the 25 years I have owned it, but it is time for someone else to have the privilege. The instrument is one that needs to be played. If it is not used it goes out of tune and it deserves to be heard more than at present. Cinema organs produce a unique sound and I know Ewbank’s will find a new owner to treasure it as much as I have.”

The two other Rutt electric Organestras no longer exist in their original form, having been combined during restoration to make a single instrument which can now be found at St Albans Organ Theatre in Hertfordshire.

For more information about the auction contact Ewbank’s on 01483 223101 or email antiques@ewbankauctions.co.uk