Writing in the eternal quest for information on the development of
early cylinder boxes.  There was an obvious burst of talent immediately
after François Nicole perfected the single piece comb.  This must have
been an exciting time for these founding fathers, desperate to express
their talent.  These men oft collaborated with each other to create
some of the most exciting and musically capable boxes, true works of
art delivered by mechanical genius.

Several years ago I was asked by Roy Ison to look at his research on
François Nicole and see if we could expand on the picture a little,
no easy feat, so while still trying to filter the waters muddied by
time, I am interested to hear of anyone who may have a François
Lecoultre / François Nicole collaboration.  (We have had the chance
to study one quite exceptional example in a German collection.)

However, a spectacular sounding 3-overture piece, quite unlike anything
previously encountered by myself, has surfaced, with the 257-tooth comb
twice signed Lecoultre-Reymond.  Quite an enigma, as Henri Reymond
signed all his known work "Reymond - Nicole" while working in the same
building as both the François's after marrying Nicole's daughter.  He
was previously signing his boxes simply 'Reymond'.

Does anyone have a box similarly signed?  And if so, would you be
prepared to share information about your box and further if anyone knows
anything about Henri Reymond's background, then please do get in touch.

Thanks to all,
Mark Singleton, UK