The documentation and marketing of vintage automatic musical
instruments is best characterised as ephemeral in nature, i.e.,
very short lived.  Relatively little is known about this documentation
other than that carefully collected and catalogued by a few diligent
collectors in the early years of this delightful avocation and hobby.

This documentation is becoming difficult to find, largely through old
magazines of the period 1885-1930.  However, with the help of eBay and
some generous collectors, an ever growing display of this material is
now displayed on our AMICA web site.  It will provide a unique glimpse
into a world that AMICA is trying to preserve through sight, touch and
sound.

Those collectors with collections of similar material, and own or have
access to a scanner are encouraged to share their holdings in image, if
not in the flesh.  As of early 2001, some 70 or more years after the
demise of this unique slice of musical heritage, the images displayed
are modest.  As time passes, this image collection will grow and
provide an additional viewpoint and understanding of why automatic
musical instruments are so captivating.

It may be viewed by pointing your favorite web browser to:

     http://www.amica.org/ephemera.htm

Viewers are cautioned that by its very nature, this display is graphics
intensive.  For those with dial-up internet connection, allow a little
time to download each page of thumbnail images.  Best viewed with
screen set to 800 x 600.

Regards,

Terry Smythe
Winnipeg, MB, Canada  R3J 2N6
http://www.amica.org/