It's little wonder that the Milhous Collection fetched top dollar
(and then some) at auction.  In my opinion, they were all in 100 point
restoration ("mint" condition), given the treatment by Mike Argain and
his capable staff.

Few collectors realize that, in order to sell for top end values, the
instruments must be in top end condition.  Secondly, their appearance
in a world-class museum setting gave them far greater exposure,
currency and access than instruments hidden deeply in the halls of
private collections, no matter how spectacular and "world-class" those
collections are.  This places an aura of recognizably over them that
few have to-day, given the nearly invisible presence most collections
have in their communities.

These are priceless mechanical musical treasures worthy of
classification as multi-dimensional historical art and as such, demand
far better treatment than being amateurishly patched up just to sell
to the next owner.  We should all celebrate the fact that they went for
as much as they did.

Stephen K Goodman - Professional Player Piano & Nickelodeon Restoration
Tarpey Village (Fresno/Clovis) California, USA
http://www.mechanicalmusicrestoration.com/