Hi!

The 4.5" Thorens box is still in production...even though the name has
changed.  Reuge bought out Thorens a number of years ago.

A brand new mechanism, without case can be purchased for approx.
$250.00 (I say approximate because you never know when Reuge is going
to raise their prices).  AND brand new discs are available too.

HOWEVER!

Through personal experience of having sold quite a number of these over
the years, I am finding that the NEW discs are a tad off on their
punching and will 'hang up' on older model machines.   SOLUTION: only
play older discs on older machines....or as a more drastic
solution...have the star wheel gantry moved on the old machine to
accommodate the new and old discs.   I DO NOT SUGGEST doing this
yourself...actually, I don't suggest doing it at all.

I usually have a number of 'used' older discs on hand.  They cost $8.50
each.  I can send you a listing of titles if you like.   Send me your
mailing address if you're interested.

There are many variations on the design of the mechanisms....some had
totally brass movements (the gears, that is) and some of the 'newer'
ones had a nylon worm gear.  While this does not really effect the
price, it points to the brass being earlier than the nylon and the fact
that you won't have the problem with the nylon gear cracking at some
point in its life (if it hasn't already).  Replacement parts for the
4.5" Thorens are available...combs, star wheel gantry, dampers,
springs, etc..  I can send a list of them if you're interested.  Most
of the new parts are interchangeable with the older mechanisms.

Value is a subjective thing....you're not dealing with an 'antique'
box, but it is a fun collectible and definitely has a value.  If you
were to try to buy the identical box NEW, from a retail store, the
price would be around $500 -$600, depending upon where you saw
it...different stores have different mark-up ideas.   I have sold the
older ones in the $375-$425 range, depending upon the number of discs.

If you have any other questions you can e-mail me at the address below
or call at 518-282-9770 (9am-7pm, M-F).

ENJOY!¶
Nancy Fratti¶
MusicBoxLady@Juno.Com