Many of you will have known Harold Smith of Leicestershire,
England, who died late last year.  Harold was a long standing member
of the Musical Box Society of Great Britain and had a wide ranging
collection of musical boxes, pianos and organs.  The most impressive
instrument was his Imhof and Mukle Orchestrion.  This dates from 1861
and has 97 keys.  It has an extensive library of barrels, many of which
are housed in a matching cabinet.  The orchestrion is totally original
and still operates from weights, and is in very good working order.

I am now able to announce that the collection will be put up for
auction, including the orchestrion, on Tuesday 28 May 2002.  The
auction is being handled by John Gildings Auctioneers, Market
Harborough, Northamptonshire, England.  Anyone interested in this sale
should telephone John Gildings on 01858 410414.  Oversees callers will
need to add the appropriate code.  Catalogue and location details will
be available from him.

Kind regards from Derbyshire, England,
Nicholas Simons