Jerry Slonsky wrote:

> When someone played the juke box the curtain would open to reveal
> five or six small figures moving and playing different instruments.
> They would appear to be playing to the music.

That's the name of the machine: "Band Box".  It was made by Chicago Coin
Company in 1950 with the legend "Strike Up The Band."  It came back in
1951 with a new legend "Play The Hit Tune Of The Week."

The value was fairly within reason until the Dr. Smith Auction at
Sothebys in September 1994.  A 1951 "Play The Hit Tune..." went for
$8,625 plus ten percent, and a modified "Lawrence Welk" legend version
went for $4,887 plus ten percent.  The miniature band figures have been
reproduced for restorations.  Terrific piece.

What has never been found is a photo of the Band Box in use.  You should
have taken a picture in that Akron restaurant, way back when.

Dick Bueschel