I would like to inform readers of my recent discovery of the finest
cabinet and furniture restoration service that is available.  Rather
than write a long article about these craftsmen, David Linker and Eric
Chapeau, the computer allows one to link to their web site where one
can see photos and read articles written about them.

If anyone has a music box or any piece of woodwork that needs
restoration, this is the place.  Some readers of MMD may be familiar
with the so-called Alma-Tadema art case piano.  This is a 9-foot
Steinway Grand that was sent to England in the late 1800's, and under
the supervision of the artist, Alma-Tadema, was made into what is
generally acknowledged to be the finest art case piano in existence.
A few years ago, Steinway and Sons commissioned Linker and Chapeau
to re-create this piano, and the results are as jaw-dropping as the
original.  Furthermore, their prices are not totally outrageous as you
might expect; because they know exactly what to do, the time investment
to restore is efficiently handled, and also because the classic finish
for wood, shellac, can repaired and restored, rather than removed and
starting from scratch.

It is sad that craftsmen like this are so rare nowadays; virtually all
refinishers simply spray modern lacquers on everything, and the results
are awful.  Of course, the prices here aren't cheap either, but the
knowledge that the piece is being restored to as fine a condition as
it can be is worth more than the price they charge.  They are located
in Hoboken, New Jersey right across the Hudson River from Manhattan.
Here is that link I promised: http://www.d-linker-ebeniste.com/

Randolph Herr