[ Re: 971201 MMDigest, Ariston Crank Organ ]

Jeffrey Borinsky stated:  "In those days, when British was believed to
be the best, a German import might well have been thought inferior..."

Robbie tried to explain it by supposing that "German Manufacture" was a
requirement for imports (in Great-Britain) to be so labeled.

I do have the impression, that despite the fact that in those days
British might have been considered to be the best, a musical instrument
like the Ariston crank organ was not produced in England, if so, at the
quality level of the German manufacturers.  Of course others, mainly
American firms, tried to sell in the important (commonwealth) market.
But there was no doubt that the German product was by far superior.
So, for the customer, the sign "German Manufacture" was indicating,
doubtless, that he was looking at the best instrument available in
the market.

In Bowers' Encyclopedia we do find an article by Mr. Ord-Hume, written
for the magazine of the Musical Box Society of Great-Britain.  He is
listing the makers and agents in London in the 1890's.  The only
Hermann he is mentioning is Hermann Lange.  However, this Hermann did
sell from 13 and 14, Camomile Street.

In the same article Mr.. Ord-Hume is stating that the German instruments
were superior.  He writes " Leipzig was indeed leading the world in
mechanical music in the closing years of the nineteenth century".

It's my guess, therefore, that the lettering was giving the following
information:

  The name of the instrument, such as "The Ariston Organette".

  The name of the manufacturer or agent, like "Hermann Lange,
  sole distributor".

The address:
  London 126. 127. 128.
  London Wall

and:

  GERMAN MANUFACTURE

as a quality stamp.

I agree with Jeffrey: the way the address is given is quite unusual,
nowadays.  But I do not know what the English were used to in those
days.

Maybe one of our MMD-members in the MBS can supply more information?

Jan Kijlstra