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Hi, This is a reply to the item posted by Joe Berman in
MMD Archives, January 2004, 2004.01.11


>> I just recently acquired a 10-inch LP of selections from instruments
>> in the collection of George and Madeleine Brown.  The private
>> collection seemed to be a significant group of 110 instruments
>> when the recording was made in their home in New Jersey by Cook
>> Laboratories (no date on the record label or jacket.
>>
>> No one seems to know about the Browns and I would very much
>> appreciate knowing more about them.


I have what I believe to be the same 10" LP, but mine is a "Sound
Book", dated 1952, issued by "Book Records", 680 Fifth Ave. NY 19, NY.
(That would now be NY 10019.  But, on the label, the address is 222 E.
46 St.).

The album is in the form of an 8-page book, with illustrations of music
boxes, and briefly chronicling their history.  The record number is
"Collector's Series #1011.  It was recorded by Emory Cook (presumably
the "Cook Laboratories" mentioned by Mr. Berman).  Unfortunately, no
further information is offered about the Browns, aside from identifying
them as "the American authorities on the 19th century music box."

The boxes represented are Household Regina, Concert Regina, Console
Regina, Capitol, Swiss Coffin Box, and American Olympia.  There are 20
selections, but Jingle Bells appears twice, on the same type of music
box (Household Regina).  The fidelity is amazing for 1952!

Best,
James Irsay