Hello MMD-ists from everywhere!  I am looking for information about
the Harmonica Simplex which is a rare disc bandoneon with 18 keys.
This one is very unusual as it has no flywheel as does the Tanzbär,
nor has it a spring motor inside as the Sonatina, Euphonica or Magic
Organa -- it is very "simplex" as this bandoneon is "one finger"
powered!

A finger crank turns a gear wheel around, which drives the toothed
zinc disc with the music.  This crank is turned at the speed of about
one revolution in 3 seconds.

I have located 3 of the bandoneons, one in France and two in New Zealand.
Unfortunately, all of them have lost the original finger-crank, so the
condition shape is uncertain.

Can anyone help?  Do you possess, or know of, such an instrument?
Pictures would be welcome.

I am also fond of any information about the quoted instruments:
anecdotes, maintenance, sources of rolls or discs, tricks and tips
about their use or restoration.  I am sure I am not the only one to
care about accordions!  Maybe you know other automatic accordions,
I mean mechanical autonomous ones with special ways of reading the
music.

Do not hesitate to contact me.  Here is my e-mail address:
nimal.jean@orange.fr.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]

Best regards from France,
Jean Nimal

 [ At http://www.europeana.eu/portal/record/09102/_CM_0839732.html 
 [   Accordéon "Harmonika Simplex" à disque et Tanzbar à bande de carton.
 [   A 6 disques
 [ MMD articles at http://www.mmdigest.com/Archives/KWIC/H/harmonika.html 
 [ -- Robbie