Hi MMD'ers,  I have now had a reply from Kevin McElhone of Kettering
regarding the Gem cob organ.  He also says he may be joining the Internet
in a few weeks.  If so I will direct him here as I believe he will be a
valuable source of information.  The letter follows.

> Dear Todd Augsburger,  Thanks for your enquiry, I have copies of a
> book available with both the 20 and 32 note cobs in it.  It lists
> them by number and again by title for cross-reference with details of
> the different models of instrument that were made.  Price is $17 US
> including shipping.  Please make check payable to "Mr R. Poppe" who
> is dealing with dollars for me.  The musical box society of Great
> Britain has many re-print and made up catalogs for sale, I can send
> a list if this is the sort of thing you collect.  As to your queries...
>
> 130 The hunters march.
> 349 Dairy maid waltz.
> 449 Fan tail.
> 48 Webb. (English Hymn)
> 20 The home over there.
> 132 Dreamland Waltz.
> 1215 Black hawk waltz. (The only waltz listed with BL in the title)
> 189 Sailer boys reel.
>
> I am *very* interested in getting #48 Webb, an old English hymn from
> you.  I could offer 1184 Casey Jones, 1191 Where the river Shannon,
> and many others in exchange.  Let me know what type of tunes you
> like. I could buy from you for $20 (Including you pay the postage) or
> would exchange for the $17 cob booklet.
>
> How many cobs do you have?  A number of collectors in MBSGB and MBSI
> (in USA) are trying to get audio cassette recordings of *all* cobs
> made so I would like a recording of your cobs and could offer another
> in exchange.  Cobs were made 1-1297, but 760-1000 were not issued,
> for a total of 1057 tunes.
>
> Do let me know if I can be of further help, spare reeds and other
> parts for example.
>
> Sincerely, Kevin McElhone.

Brian Chesters - Isle of Man
http://www.litter-boss.co.uk/antique