I think Jon Miller, from Saint Paul MN, has opened a can of worms with
the subject of "What's it worth".  A glass of water may be 'worth' 10
cents, but what's it worth to you in the desert if you are in dire
straits?  My own personal opinion -- for what its 'worth' -- is that you
can't justify spending $9000 on the restoration of an instrument that can
be bought in full working order elsewhere for $3000.

Unless the instrument has some hidden 'worth', such as it was your
grandmothers, bought new in 1930.  At this time in the late 20th C.,
there is a lot of choice when purchasing player pianos and the like, so
save your money and advertise in the local press and get as much for your
$9000 as you can.

Whilst writing I enjoyed reading the MBSI articles on Japanese collectors
recently.  However, the Yen has fallen over the last year to about half
its value against the pound, and the auction prices in the UK are all
over the place.  One example is the Polyphon 24" Mikado.  These magnifi-
cent machines were achieving bids of about =L=15,000 or $24,000 US.

One came up for auction last week and fetched only =L=5,000 or $8,000 US.
It was in good condition with the original gallery but the spring was
broken.  I was the underbidder on the telephone but with funds at a low
ebb at present I couldn't go any further on it.  A year ago I would have
expected there to be two or three other dealers on the other lines for
it.

Brian Chesters - Isle of Man
brian@litter-boss.co.uk
http://www.litter-boss.co.uk/antique