Dear MMDs, As usual at this period of the year, we are preparing the
catalogue for the specialized auction in Chartres (1 hour SW of Paris,
France), for Sunday Dec 8th.

There will be about 60 automatas, by Vichy, Lambert, Roullet Decamps,
etc., amidst them the fine Roullet Decamps "Bouquetiere surprise,
Bebe envoyant des baisers", a surprising flower girl with a baby
emerging from a rose to send kisses.  (See "The Golden Age of
Automatas", by Bailly, p. 293.)

In the mechanical music field, no large instrument this time, but
nearly 100 varied items: musical boxes of many sizes and types
(cylinder, disc), amidst them three good snuffboxes, and two early
(ca.  1825) musical movements with teeth by groups of 2, in clock
bases (cyl. length 17 and 19 cm).  A recent and magnificent Reuge
interchangeable 12 cylinders (3 tunes each) musical box will be also
proposed for sale.

Also 2 small mechanical pianos, a good 65-note push-up player, and
lots of rolls.  And a good 37-key "Melotrope", in remarkable original
condition in its original wooden box, with 12 strips of paper.
Designed and patented by Carpentier in the 1880s, it is an ingenious
portable device which allows playing perforated strips on any keyboard.

Many organettes in various conditions, amidst them two rarities:
a rare-24 keys Clariophon, alas in poor condition, and a 35-keys
"Orchestrionette Ehrlich".  (For a description of such instruments,
see the good book on organettes by Kevin McElhone, recently published
by the MBSGB).

Many small objects, cigar dispensers, photo albums, bottles, decanters,
etc., all with a musical movement.

A few phonographs, and some gambling machines and fairground artifacts
will complete this interesting auction.  (If you do not find the item
of your dreams, you can always visit the magnificent gothic cathedral
and its celebrated coloured window-panes!).

I am afraid that, as usual, the catalogue will be issued only at the
end of November.  To get a printed catalogue for a small charge,
please contact directly the auction house by e-mail:
  <chartres@galeriedechartres.com>
  or better by fax at: + 33 (0) 2 37 88 28 20
  or tel.:  + 33 (0) 2 37 88 28 28.

But you will probably be able to see the catalogue (text and photos)
also on the MMD web site, thanks to Robbie Rhodes and his wonderful
team!

With best regards,

Philippe Rouille  (Paris, France)
http://www.musicamecanica.org/

 [ A preview announcement is already posted at the MMD Auctions page,
 [ visit http://mmd.foxtail.com/Auctions/Chartres0212/index.html
 [ -- Robbie