[ Luke Schaedle wrote in 181202 MMDigest:

> We have a 13" cylinder music box and we can find no mark or serial
> number.

Unfortunately the largest percentage of cylinder boxes out there can't
be identified as to their makers.  Most bedplates weren't stamped with
a name, and the serial numbers on most bedplates are of no help either.

Some cylinder box manufacturers had some pretty distinctive design of
certain parts, like the L'Epee governor detent and tune indicator.
Paillard had a patented 'revolving ball' type safety check, Mermod
Freres had the Jacot oscillating safety check.  The different types
of zithers are not indicative of any particular maker.

Sometimes the tune cards are the only means we have of trying to
identify makers.  There is a book on Tune Cards (published by the MBSGB)
with many supplements, whose designs can be used to home in on some
manufacturers.  If the tune card is missing and there's no initials
stamped on the bedplate, comb or governor cock, then identification is
usually not possible.

No matter who made the box, the way it sounds today is dependent on
how many screwdrivers were in it over the last 100 years!  Enjoy it
for what it is -- even if you can't identify a maker!

Nancy Fratti - Nancy Fratti Music Boxes
Canastota, New York, USA
http://www.nancyfrattimusicboxes.com/