Dear MMD, I'm in the process of restoring a Symphonion 11-7/8" [30 cm]
upright Style 33 "Lyra".  The machine is coin operated and it has the
usual pattern coin balance arm and spring loaded coin catcher.

I'm puzzled by an additional lever that sits above the works that is
currently incomplete.  I have researched various photographs of the
mechanism that shows it is connected to the coin chute.  I have asked
a couple I've asked a few restorers about the function of this device
and the responses were varied.

One theory is that it stopped additional coins being inserted into the
mechanism once it had been set to play.  Another theory is that it
acted as a coin accumulator and would play the tune over for as many
coins that had been deposited.  On most occasions, restorers were
puzzled about its purpose.  On my model some of the parts are missing
so I can't assemble it fully to experiment.

Does any MMDers have a definitive explanation of the workings?  I would
certainly be grateful of any advice about how to get this mechanism
back into working condition.

Many thanks,
Mark Buckland