I have a Celestina organette on the bench and the moment, and would
appreciate some advice on the best material to re-cover the tiny pneumatics
which operate the reed pallets. These are pressure pneumatics which live
inside the windchest (ie, surrounded by vacuum) and inflate when air is
admitted through the tracker bar holes. They are about 3" long, 1/2" wide,
and open about 3/8". The originals are covered with what looks like very
fine kidskin, about .005" to .008" thick. I suspect the answer is "very fine
kidskin, about .005" to .008" thick", but I would welcome any suggestions.

Also, can anyone advise me on re-doing the Celestina casework. The original
is heavily decorated with elaborate gold stencils and scrollwork, most of
which are now blackened and nearly invisible. (The last patent date on the
instrument is 1891). Any advice on techniques, supplies, or sources for
re-creating this style of decoration would be much appreciated.

John Wolff
Melbourne, Australia