Some comments on the next generation appreciating your music boxes
and related items.

When _you_ formed your collection, likely there was the thrill of
discovery -- hearing a Regina music box play an old-time melody,
or expressing amazement that a restored grand piano could play
a performance by Paderewski, or seeing a real violin play behind
glass in a Violano-Virtuoso, or whatever.  Then you met other
collectors, learned more, added some other instruments, and your
depth of appreciation grew.  This was a learning experience and also
an exciting venture.

For your next of kin, these instruments may be taken for granted
-- no thrill of discovery, no excitement, as they are part of the
landscape.  Very few collectors are able to truly pass their interest
and passion on to the next generation.

There are exceptions -- as Hughes Ryder's sons Steve and Jere, and Bud
Bronson's son "B," and some others -- but I would guess that no more
than 5% to 10% of collectors are so fortunate as to have family pick
up the traces with enthusiasm.  This is also true with other hobbies.
In rare coins it is very unusual for next to kin to remain interested.

The "good part" of the above is that new collections are formed by
newcomers in the hobby, and the supply of music boxes, rare coins,
classic autos, etc., comes from estates or from collectors who have
decided to sell.  This gives all of us a parade of new (to us) things
to contemplate and possibly acquire.

Best wishes,

Dave Bowers
Wolfeboro Falls, New Hampshire