Steve:  Regarding your questions about a Harmonia Disc Music Box.

While similar to the Mermod Freres' Stella in that they use projection-
less discs and spring-activated star wheels, the Harmonia disc musical
box is not a Stella in 'disguise.'  They were made in Ste-Croix,
Switzerland, as were Stellas.

Like Mermod's Mira and Stella, Harmonia disc musical boxes were also
made in response to the burgeoning disc musical box industry in Germany
that was cutting into Swiss cylinder musical box sales.

Harmonias were manufactured by the Societe Anonyme Harmonia, founded by
August Bornand-Galaz.  Sales started in 1897, according to Arthur
Ord-Hume.  (See page 218, The Musical Box - A Guide For Collectors,
1995, Schiffer Pub., Atglen, PA).

Three sizes of discs were made, including 8-inch, 10-inch and 16-1/2
inch.  One of the outlets for Harmonias was Nicole Freres in London at
21 Ely Place, Holborn Circus.  Some models with 10 and 16-1/2 inch
discs also had bells.

To the best of my knowledge, Stella and Harmonia discs are _not_
interchangeable.  For Harmonia discs, you might check with Nancy Fratti
<musicbox@sover.net>, Marty Roenigk <MRoenigk@aol.com>,  Mike Naddeo
(717) 442-8508, and Barry Johnson (not sure if he does Harmonia discs)
at (415) 323-5268.  Perhaps some other MMD subscribers know of some
16-1/2 inch Harmonia discs that are available.

Does the Harmonia you found come with any discs?  What tunes are they?

Tune titles are always interesting as they can often pinpoint the
location (or nationality) of the original owner.  I once had a coin-op
Polyphon that had almost entirely Tyrolean tune sheets.  Several were
drinking songs.  I always wondered from which town in the Tyrolean Alps
(and from which tavern) it came!

Musically yours,

Bill Wineburgh
http://members.aol.com/mboxmuseum/museum.html