May I correct a probably unintentional slur on Harold Smith made in
Mark Singleton's posting.  The Mikado was never silent.  In the many
years that I knew Harold and visited him, the Mikado was always
playing.  It stood in a dark corner of the main hall, to the left
of the Orchestrelle Model W and we always played it on visits.
Admittedly, it was a bit quiet and could probably have done with
a clean up and overhaul but it was musically very acceptable.

All of Harold's instruments were in playing order, apart from those
not on show, and were maintained as required by friends or colleagues.
As with many large private collections, the instruments were not in
as-new or over-restored condition but all played reasonably well and
a visit was always a delight, with the blazing log fires in the two
sitting rooms, and a few barrels on the 96-key Imhof orchestrion.
The music was always followed by tea and home-made cakes made by Nora.
The open days will be missed, but the instruments will continue to
give pleasure to their new custodians.

Best wishes to all,
Nicholas Simons, Midlands, GB