We are currently working on two barrel operated instruments, both of
which require some work to the pins on their barrels.  The first is a
rare Poirot Freres 72-key organ, and the second is a Hupfeld 'Atlantic'
orchestrion with piano, mandolin, xylophone and organ.  We need a small
quantity of flat, square-edged wire for each, as both have suffered
from key damage and general wear over the years.

Because the pressure exerted by the keys is fairly heavy, the Hupfeld
uses only steel pins and bridges, which come in three sizes: 1 x 1.3 mm,
0.7 x 1.3 mm and 1.5 x 1.3 mm.  I have already spoken to one or two
firms here in the UK about manufacturing wire to these sizes, which is
not a problem, but there is, however, a minimum order which far exceeds
our requirements.

The question is, does anyone have any wire that they would be willing
to sell, or if not, would anyone be interested in sharing this minimum
quantity (100 Kg per size)?

The Poirot barrels have brass pins and bridges, using only one size of
wire: 0.8 x 1.3 mm.  We have already ordered a quantity of brass wire
to these dimensions, as it will be possible to use it for other barrel
organ work.  Again, there will be more than we need, so if anyone is
interested in having some for repairing their own barrel organ, please
do get in touch.

Best wishes,

Russell Wattam
A.C. Pilmer Automatic Music,
York, England.