-- non-subscriber, please reply to sender and MMD --

Dear Mr. Petrak,  My wife and I have had come into our possession
a player piano or nickelodeon.  I am so ignorant of this subject,
I am not even sure of the proper term.

It is an upright piano, but has a coin slot (10 cents), and is belt
operated and has an electric motor.  The roll itself is in the under
part of the piano.  The piano case itself is in pretty rough shape,
and would need complete restoration.  No major damage, just dents,
scratches and some loose veneer.  As for the mechanism, I haven't a
clue, but most of the keys will sound when depressed.  We just got it
home this week, so I haven't even searched enough to find a brand or
model number.

My question is, if I could supply some pictures of this piece, is there
someone who could tell me of the feasibility of restoration, or whether
it would even be practical to attempt.  I am ambivalent on keeping it
or trying to sell to a collector.  My wife wants to keep it, but we are
not now in a position to hire this work done, and I am all thumbs in
this department.

I'm not asking for an accurate appraisal as such, as I understand this
wouldn't be practical without a personal inspection.  I would just like
to know more about what we are dealing with, and whether a restoration
project is in order, either for us, or someone who appreciates these
instruments.

Thank you for your time,

Neill Prater
Bolivar, Missouri

 [ Virtually anything can be restored to its original condition (and
 [ probably to better-than-original condition) so anything is possible.
 [ The important question is how much money the owner is willing
 [ to invest in restoration, and how much increase in value (monetary
 [ or otherwise) can be realized from this investment.
 [
 [ If Mr. Prater's instrument is one sought by antique collectors,
 [ then a restoration surely should be considered.  How can he tell
 [ if he owns a piece of junk or a valuable collectible?  Should he
 [ hire an expert to appraise the instrument?  Can the feasibility
 [ for restoration be estimated from photographs alone?  -- Robbie