> I have never seen these before.  Were they a forerunner to the
> 'Bible': the "Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments"?

Hi, Brian: Yes.  This work was published four years prior to the
'Encyclopedia' and is also found in hardcover with both volumes 1
and 2 together.

Q. David Bowers' 'Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments,'
containing much more material that was amassed by him, was published
first in 1972 and as demand continued, there were many additional
printings over the years.  This monumental work is considered the
'Bible' for information about mechanical musical instruments and is
oft quoted in advertisements by page number.

Musically yours,

Bill Wineburgh
http://members.aol.com/WWineburgh/