While in the Irish Hills area of Michigan, my wife and I stopped
at an antique shop across from the Observation Towers.  Much to our
surprise and delight there were two players.

One was the Link orchestrion, the other a nickelodeon with a metal
xylophone bars.  I can't remember the brand (I was too excited with
the Link) plus it seemed to me over-priced at $12,000.  It was suppose
to have been restored, but would hardly play.  Nice leaded glass, but
the case was rough, and the lights were missing off the front.  Let's
switch back to the Link.

It has six instruments, snare drum (looked to be newer), mandolin rail,
wooden block, 24 wooden flute pipes, tambourine, and cymbal.  Link used
the continuous roll mechanism, which is great fun to watch.  Always
amazes me it doesn't tangle.

It did play, but needed regulating.  During the song that was played
for us we heard all the interments except the pipes, which seemed odd.
This machine had also had extensive restoring done to it, he claimed
$8,000 worth.

It has had regular glass put in so that all the instruments are
visible.  One panel was of the original leaded glass, very pretty.
All the other sections are there, but I can't comment on their
condition.  Also the case was very nice.  I had not seen case lamps
like this: a simple three-sided box of wood with green glass.  Not
a tall unit, other than the addition of the roll mechanism on top,
it would be the size of a standard player.

Price $28,000, is that high or low?  It's why I bought Craig Brougher's
book to build my own!!!

No I'm not receiving commission, I just thought others might like to
hear that they're still to be found in small shops.  If anyone would
like more info let me know.

Dave Brown MI.