Hi Folks,  I'm a new subscriber to MMD, from the San Francisco Bay
Area.  I've been developing an interest in mechanical music boxes over
the past few years.  I recently acquired a 6" edge-drive Symphonion
(Christmas?) box, and have a few questions.  Any info you might have
to share with me is greatly appreciated.

My music box seems to be in "OK" but not restored condition.  This box
was apparently a Christmas box with a special heavy rotating piece
(cast iron) that I am told is intended to hold a small Christmas tree,
which would spin when the box is playing.  I would like to determine
the date this box was made, but don't yet have access to a Bowers'
Encyclopedia.  Is it on the box somewhere?  Any leads?

The box is missing two teeth on the comb.  Should the comb be replaced?
If yes, where would one get replacement parts?  Also the wood box (oak,
I think) is slightly scratched up, and is missing the picture that fits
onto the left half of the box that covers the mechanism.  Does anyone
know of a source on the 'Net that might show what this box would have
looked like with the picture?

I'd appreciate any info about how to properly care for and maintain
this box until I can afford to have further restoration done: e.g.,
what is recommended for use on the wood?  The mechanism seems to be
recently oiled/greased, but it's messy.  Suggestions?

I don't know if I have supplied enough info, but if anyone out there
deals with these boxes and might be able to give me a ballpark value,
I'd certainly appreciate it.

Finally, I understand that the 6" edge-drive discs are rather rare.
Thanks to Nancy Fratti for turning me onto a couple of sources for
reproduction discs.  If anyone out there is hoarding a supply of discs
and would like to share ;-), please feel free to contact me!

Thanks!

K. T. Lyon