It is with much regret that I announce the closure of the Mechanical
Music and Technical Apparatus department at Christie's.  Since the
first proper sale in 1975, which was devised and realised by Christopher
Proudfoot, it has become somewhat of an institution among collectors
and dealers and has continued to be the perfect introduction to the
many who start collecting something different.

The forthcoming sale, which will be held on the 31 May, will be the
last sale, with the 1 November sale no longer going ahead.  This 31 May
auction contains a superb array of some of the finest pieces this field
has to offer and I invite you all to see the sale during the viewing
(starting on Tuesday 29th May) and see the pre-view in the form of the
on-line catalogue using this direct link :

http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lfsearch/SearchResults.aspx?intSaleID=21059

This decision follows a strategic review of the Collectables Departments
and hence will no longer be holding specialist auctions of Mechanical
Music and Technical Apparatus after this sale on the 31 May.  I will
no longer be at Christie's after a short set time following the sale.

I would therefore like very much to thank you all for all your support
and business during my time here.  It is always a pleasure meeting
people who travel far and wide to absorb the same passion which keeps
this important and popular market, and indeed, me, alive.

I look very much forward to welcoming you to our final waltz through
the wonders of music and song and hope that I may continue to serve you
at a later time and place.

My kindest regards and best wishes,

Laurence Fisher
Specialist, Mechanical Music and Technical Apparatus, 2004-2007
Christie's South Kensington
85 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3LD