Hi All,  Here's where it stands.  As far as I know, the bidding
was won by a person who has no ties to the mechanical music world.
I am actively seeking out the name and contact information about
that person, and have sent an Express Mail to an address I was able
to locate, using what little information I was given (but I don't
know for sure it was accurate).

Another contact with Durrell Armstrong's attorney that I made today
may yield further information later today or tomorrow.  For the record,
I have put _all_ other business matters on hold since this all began
about three weeks ago, and I will continue in that vein until I am
convinced that there is no further hope.  (Mind you, I am extremely
tenacious!)

As some of you may have learned, I was in Wichita, Kansas, early last
week to view and to inventory as much of the contents of the building
as was allowed.  Many things were located that will seem totally
unimportant to anyone outside of the industry, and it is those items
which I am most keen on saving from destruction (the list is too
long to mention now).

Sadly, the condition of the building was unimaginably disheartening
and chaotic, but neglect will often cause such a situation.  My job
is not to judge, but rather to save what can be saved.

In closing, in the interest of time, I would prefer that any comments
you have be directed to the MMDigest.  However, if you can be of any
real help, or have a plan of action that will assist me in my effort,
I am all ears.  While it's true that more money might entice the
winning bidder to sell some of the historical and specialized items
related to the industry, it does get to a point where the actual value
of those items is less than he might be asking.

I think we are all aware that anything that man can make, man can
make again.  So, things like special dies, molds, and castings can be
produced again.  However, what would be especially useful would be the
numerous drawings that were made to produce those items.  Also, of
great value would be the numerous contacts that Durrell made during his
53 years in the industry.

By the way, I know there are certain things that were intentionally
left out of the listings of 'important' things.  Sometimes it is less
advantageous to show all your cards when playing poker with a seasoned
player.

Please pray for my success in this ongoing venture.

Musically,
John A Tuttle
Player-Care.com