Last year I imported a Mira console musical box to the UK from the
USA.  I was worried about doing so as many things can go wrong over
a distance of thousands of miles over air and land.  The shipping
company wrapped and crated the instrument on site and were excellent
in their communication as to what they would do to ensure its safe
arrival.  I was delighted when I finally unpacked it that no damage
whatsoever had taken place.  The procedure was as follows:

The main spring was fully wound down.  Loose parts such as the winding
handle and discs were wrapped separately in bubble wrap, boxed and
taped within the cabinet so as not to move around and cause damage.

The instrument sat on a wooden pallet so it could be fork lifted.
The whole console was protected in brown paper to minimise rubbing.
Thicker cardboard was wrapped around again and taped securely.  Bubble
wrap over the cardboard.  Plastic webbing held the instrument securely
to the wooden base.

The entire boxed was enclosed in a custom made wooden crate securely
screwed together.  Foam chips filled all the gaps between the instrument
and crate.  The top of the crate was nailed on and the whole crate was
held securely by metal webbing.

Understandably, this procedure doesn't come cheap but for a precious
item such as this it is a price worth paying.  I would not like to have
conscience troubled over losing a rare instrument to future generations
while in my care and responsibility.

Mark Buckland