Music lovers got a glimpse of the unusual at a show in Milan, Italy, October 21, when musical instruments, at one time used by the famous men of classical melody, were viewed by the public.

Treasures and curios included a piano owned by Verdi - it was one of two he used at the Milan hotel where he used to stay - and a spinnet owned by Donisetti.

The spinnet was made specially for Donisetti and was ordered by two of his friends - the composer Alessandro Dolci and the tenor Lorenzo Salvi.

Another spinnet on film was once the property of Mozart. It was made in Milan by Antonio Scotti in 1753 after being ordered by the Austrian Governor of Lombardy. It was given to Mozart in 1770.

Yet another spinnet was made for Queen Elizabeth of England in 1567.