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

I have a very similar Christmas tree stand to the ones pictured in Joy
McNally's post of Jan 11, 2002, and in the responses to her post.  It
was sent from relatives in Germany to my grandmother for her first
Christmas (1905).  It is in outstanding shape and plays a song somewhat
similar to "Silent Night."

I am doing genealogical research and want to find who sent this stand,
and from where in Germany.  I understand that it was probably made by
J.C. Eckardt and that the company still exists.  Would anyone know how
I would go about researching this?  There appears to be a serial number
stenciled on the underside of the base, but it is virtually impossible
to read.  The only other markings are: "Trade Mark Germany" engraved in
the cover, and "Germany" stenciled on the bottom of the base.  I am
pretty sure the stand was sent from either Hamburg or Alsace-Lorraine.

Thanks,
Tim Corrigan

 [ See "Music Box Rotating Base is Christmas Tree Stand" at MMD
 [ Pictures site, http://mmd.foxtail.com/Pictures/  MBSI expert
 [ Ralph Heintz wrote, "Joy McNally's instrument is what is left
 [ of a musical Christmas tree stand, after some of the vital parts
 [ have been lost or thrown away.  It was probably made by J. C.
 [ Eckardt of Cannstatt-Stuttgart, late 19th-early 20th Century."
 [ -- Robbie