I wonder if anyone can identify this disc musical box, or better still,
if anyone has the discs that can be copied?

 - The discs are 306 mm or 12-1/16 inches in diameter.
 - The edge drive holes are hexagonal in shape.
 - The centre drive hole is 11 mm across.
 - Some discs are flat around the edge, others have a raised 'dimple'
   between the drive holes.

The discs are made in Switzerland, have no decoration, and simply have
printed in black "Beginning/Commencement" and the tune number (3
digits) and the title.

The projections are normal 'Polyphon' style, and the discs seem to be
steel which is plated on the top side only, possibly in nickel.

The star wheel gantry has a cover which only leaves 2 mm or so of the
star wheels projecting above and therefore hopefully protects them from
abuse.  The winding handle is at the right and there is an anchor cast
into the bedplate.

 [ The anchor symbol might indicate Thorens.  -- Robbie

The box is a mix of hardwood and plywood with a geometric pattern on
the top lid and a typical guitar or musical instrument on the front.
There are four corner legs, rather like a Helvetia.

If you have or know of one of these boxes I would like to make contact
with you.

Renaissance Discs here in England only make 120 different types of disc
and this is not currently one of them, but they would be pleased to
copy discs if anyone else is looking for extras.  I have 10 nice titles
including "Rio Rita" which is possibly a 1920's tune as I have seen it
on 65 note Piano roll.

The Shire book "Mechanical Music" is now sold out at the publishers,
I have the only 20 copies left here if anyone missed out on a copy.

They are pleased with the book and we are already assembling the next
updated edition which will have 8 extra pages and all new pictures
which they will be printing in colour.  It will be due out in around
18 months.

Kevin McElhone
Northampton, England