I have been following this thread closely and have enjoyed all of the
stories and comments.  I decided that I should give the perspective of
a 45-year-old.  I am only very recently becoming seriously interested
in mechanical music.  My lack of exposure as a child is probably the
number one reason that I did not develop an interest early on.  I was
probably always inclined towards it, as I share a trait that I have
noticed in others that have this interest.

I am mechanical myself.  Since early childhood I have taken things
apart and repaired them.  Always fascinated by how things work.  I was
just never around these type of mechanical items.  Add my interest with
my love of music (and my pathetic attempts to play music) and you have
someone who would undoubtedly love these mechanical wonders.

With all of that being said, I am quickly realizing that, by and
large, this is a wealthy man's game.  Finding an affordable mechanical
treasure is nearly impossible.  This will continue to keep a lot of
people out of this area of interest.  It is one thing to comment about
the novelty of any of these items, and quite another to purchase one.
Even those with a serious interest can quickly be put off by the price
tag that is attached.

I have chosen to collect what I can afford.  I have a Regina, a small
Polyphon and am interested in the smaller items like the Rolmonica.
I have the interest in the larger items, but the days of finding
anything like that for an affordable price are long past.  I do not
mean to imply that they do not have the value.  Simply that value and
good pricing are entirely relevant to one's budget.

On the other hand, there is one significant factor that is keeping my
interest up.  That is the people I have come into contact with while
learning this area of collection.  By and large, everyone has been very
kind and helpful.  A simple phone inquiry has, more then once, turned
into an hour long conversation.  I think the instant commonality stems
from the traits I mentioned above.  The love of music and the
inclination towards a mechanical aptitude.

I enjoy this area of interest immensely.  I show my items to anyone
that will look at them.  I talk about it actively.  But, I notice that
most people only have a passing fascination.

I hope to enjoy this for a long time and perhaps find that I have
helped to interest at least a few younger people.

Jeff Adkins
Oregon