The Melodian is a modern novelty musical box which plays on the paper
strip principle.  Lisa Maxwell describes it very well.  It probably
dates from the 1970's or 1980's and appears to be the precursor to the
very popular Sanko hand turned musical box.  It is powered by three
size 'D' electric cells and has a small control knob on the front which
turns on the motor and adjusts its speed.  The musical comb is connected
to the wooden case to give a significant volume of sound.

The paper strip is identical to the Sankyo strip, being 70mm wide,
and the musical scale is identical.  It has 20 notes on a continuous
diatonic scale starting at C below middle C.  Arrangements are therefore
interchangeable between the Melodian and the Sankyo, and Lisa could
purchase Sankyo strips to play on her machine.

It does, however, suffer from an unfortunate design feature.  The music
card self-destructs within a few plays.  The Sankyo employs small star
wheels and creates minimal wear on the card.  The Melodian uses a much
more complicated mechanism to pluck the comb, having a friction roller
and droppers that pass through the holes in the card.  This is very
troublesome and the wire droppers have the tendency to drag on the back
edge of the holes.  It may be beneficial to shellac the card.

As for value, its difficult to say.  Only a auction will identify its
true value.  I bought mine in a recent MBSGB auction and paid only
a few GBPs.

Best wishes from GB,
Nicholas Simons