Rear Upper View in the
Wurlitzer Style 17
(Regular) PianOrchestra
Philipps Pianella Model Special
(Frank Rayle Collection, circa 1975)

The bell striker mechanism can be seen at the rear of the music lyre. When a pneumatic motor for a particular orchestra bell is activated it pushes against a small, spring loaded, metal rod that rests in a felt-lined hole. The rod, normally held away from the metal bell bar, is snapped forward striking the bar, thus producing a musical tone.