-- non-subscriber, please reply to sender and MMD --

I have just read Bill Wineburgh's letter regarding the elusive Phantom
of the Opera music box.
 [ http://mmd.foxtail.com/Archives/Digests/199806/1998.06.29.08.html ]

Having visited a number of Phantom of the Opera related web sites,
I noticed that there are numerous 'phans' also seeking an authentic
music box with monkey 'in Persian robes, playing the cymbals'.

There are numerous 'Phantom' music boxes available, however, I must
agree with the usual feedback describing these as tacky, ugly and
bearing little resemblance to the charming version featured in the 2004
film, which did not have curious 'tufts' on the head and cheeks, giving
it a somewhat triangular appearance, but was dressed in a red Persian
style coat, knee length trousers and pointed slippers.  The face was
quite smooth and on the head was a red turban, complete with small
plume.  It was seated on a silver openwork carved box lined with red
and topped with amber coloured cushion.

Surely this could not be too difficult to replicate?  With the number
of enquiries of a similar nature, I would think it would prove a most
popular and saleable item.  Perhaps a craftsman or toy maker might
undertake the venture?  I would be grateful for any response or
information.

In anticipation,
Lynda Plant-Wells
Salisbury, UK

 [ The product by San Francisco Music Box Company is pictured at
 [ http://www.giftsonline.net/catalog/Phantom_of_the_Opera.html
 [ and http://www.funtocollect.com/monkeymusic.html
 [
 [ A nice arrangement of "Masquerade" for musical box is presented
 [ at  http://www.hamienet.com/midi24377.html  -- Robbie