In recent months, the culture ministry of France, under the direction
of Madame Catherine Trautmann, has become exceedingly strict and narrow
with the approval of export of antique mechanical musical items from
France.

Mme Trautmann and her employees have let it be known that they are
going to watch all private sales and auction sales very closely.  This
current strict approach is due to the fact that a museum near Paris is
seeking such items and has alerted the cultural authorities that these
items are being sold out of the country through private sales and
auctions.

Current French guidelines on export of such items are presently cloudy
at best.  After you have purchased an item you may discover that you
could be involved in months or years of protracted litigation in order
to remove your purchase from France.  Until the French Culture Ministry
clearly defines this matter for collectors outside of France, I suggest
that a prospective purchaser proceed with due caution. It is up to
French Collectors and Dealers to work with Madame Trautmann to
establish clear export guidelines.

This current situation affects only antique mechanical music items.
There are no problems exporting new French mechanical music items.

Tim Trager