> I have the following questions regarding the repair of cylinder
> music boxes:
>
> 1. What is the best way to polish the brass barrel of the
> cylinder without disturbing the pins?

The best way to polish the brass barrel of the cylinder is to
first remove it and use a brass/copper metal polish (such as 'Brasso').
I use this together with a toothbrush to clean and polish the barrel
and the pins should be strong enough to withstand this.  (If the
pins are not strong enough to withstand a toothbrush, then they won't
work on the music box either).  Afterwards I let the cylinder dry
and I remove the polish with a special brush on my grinder-polisher.
You can get this special brush/ring from Nancy Fratti.

Please note that you need to make sure that the spring barrel is 100%
let down before removing the cylinder -- it contains a lot of energy
in it.

> 2. Is a clock mainspring barrel such as made by Hermle or
> Kieninger suitable for use in a cylinder music box?  I have
> to repair one with more than 50% of the teeth damaged.

I highly doubt that you'll find one that fits, but if it does it's
acceptable.  The items to consider are:

1. Diameter of the spring barrel and width of the spring: i.e., it
should be big enough -- most clock barrels are too small and I haven't
found a source of large enough barrels.

2.  Construction of the teeth: I believe that this is called the pitch,
but I'm not sure.  Two barrels that appear the same usually won't be
adequate replacements because the teeth don't mesh.  If the barrel
teeth properly mesh together, then it should work on the cylinder drive
gear.  If you can't find one to work, you can either build individual
or a section of teeth and secure it to the barrel or you build a ring
to the same specifications, grind down the original barrel to match it
and install the new ring on the barrel.

> 3. Where can I obtain the reduction gear set in a governor?

  Nancy Fratti - Panchronia Antiquities
  P.O. Box 400, Canastota, NY 13032-0400 USA
  tel.: 315-684-9977   fax: 315-684-9976
  E-mail:  musicbox@dreamscape.com

You might have to manufacture the first gear if it is missing; it's
not a stock piece so she doesn't stock them.  I've seen hundreds of
different sizes and combinations.

Eliyahu Shahar